Blog Post 1

Introduction The Colosseum is situated in the centre of Rome and is the largest amphitheatre ever built. It is made from concrete and sand and has stood for nearly 2000 years! It could hold up to 80,000 people and was used for Gladiatorial events.

Uses As well as holding Gladiatorial events, the Colosseum also hosted mock sea battles, animal hunts and re-enactments of famous battles. the whole base of the Colosseum could be flooded to allow ships to float and re-enact battle scenes or do battle!

Restoration and Repair The Colosseum is nearly 2000 years old and over this time it has sustained a lot of damage from events such as earthquakes. Recently, over £25,000,000 has been spent to clean and restore this impressive amphitheatre.

Visiting If you are visiting the Colosseum, it is best to go early in the morning. the Colosseum opens at around 8.30am. In the area around the Colosseum, many hawkers will attempt to sell you "skip the line" tickets at around double the usual price. Moreover, a genuine ticket to the Colosseum will also give you access to the not-to-be-missed, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill which are next to the Colosseum itself. If you pre-book a guided tour for example a specialist family tour, you will skip the queues and get a tour suited to your family. You are likely to learn a lot more than visiting without a guide. The specialist guides can bring life in Ancient Rome alive for you.

If you go alone, the queue to get inside is likely to be around 45 minutes long. there is security including metal detectors and bag searches.

Once inside, you are able to walk into the stands of the amphitheatre. here you will find yourself enclosed by the ancient walls and seating. In the centre of the Colosseum, you will see the hypogeum. This is the series of tunnels under the Colosseum which held slaves (including enemy captives) and animals while they were preparing to fight in the gladiatorial games. The animals and slaves could be let up through trapdoors under the sand-covered arena at any time during a fight. You will also see a reconstruction of the wooden floor that would have covered these tunnels.

Images of the exterior and interior of the Colosseum.

Do not miss out on the second level for a fantastic view higher up in the stands. Forum here you can also gain an impressive view of the Arch of Constantine and the Roman Forum.

Places Nearby The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are across from the Colosseum and have amazing and impressive things to see and learn about. The Colosseum ticket gives you entry to this site as well. Do not miss the view of Ancient Rome from the Palatine Hill, contrast this with modern Rome in the distance behind.