The Secret Side of the Colosseum: Unmasking Rome's Mysterious Past
"When falls the Colosseum, Rome shall fall; And when Rome falls—the World." ~ Lord Byron
Because I’m a regular traveler to Italy for my book research, I’m often asked by friends (and their friends) for my tips on visiting various Italian cities, and most often, Rome. Invariably they will ask about the Colosseum (or Il Colosseo in Italian). As one of the 7 Wonders of the World, well, it’s no surprise.
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an iconic symbol of Ancient Rome. Located in the heart of the city, this architectural marvel has attracted millions of tourists each year, eager to explore its monumental ruins and delve into its fascinating history. While most people are familiar with the gladiatorial battles that took place within its walls, the Colosseum's history is much richer and deeper than just blood and sand. But there are many things you might not know about this ancient edifice. Let’s start with:
Naval Battles in the Colosseum
Though it's widely known that the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial battles, few people realize that it also hosted mock naval battles called "naumachiae." In these displays, the arena would be filled with water and scaled-down ships, complete with fighters, rowers, and even wild animals like crocodiles. To accommodate these events, the Colosseum was initially designed with a complex hydraulic system that could flood the arena floor. However, these battles were short-lived as the difficulty and expense of staging them led to their eventual discontinuation. What a spectacle that must have been!
The Colosseum's Hidden Tunnels
Beneath the Colosseum's surface lies a complex network of tunnels and chambers known as the hypogeum. This subterranean labyrinth was once bustling with activity, as it housed the gladiators, animals, and stagehands responsible for the spectacles above. The hypogeum was equipped with sophisticated machinery, including lifts and pulleys, which enabled animals and fighters to be transported seamlessly to the arena floor. Today, visitors can explore parts of the hypogeum during guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into the world that existed beneath the Colosseum's blood-soaked sands. Note, if you go during the winter, layer up. It’s crazy cold down there!
The Colosseum's Name Came From a Colossal Statue of Nero
The Colosseum is often associated with the Roman Emperor Vespasian, who initiated its construction in 70-72 AD. However, the amphitheater was actually completed under the reign of his son, Emperor Titus, in 80 AD. The name "Colosseum" likely derives from the colossal statue of Emperor Nero, called the "Colossus of Nero," which once stood nearby. The Colosseum was originally built as a grand gesture by the Flavian dynasty to distance themselves from the previous, unpopular ruler, Nero, and to win the favor of the Roman populace. The statue likely fell from one of the devastating earthquakes that also destroyed parts of the Colosseum, and its metal taken for scrap.
Female Gladiators Existed
Female gladiators, known as "gladiatrices" or "amazones" in ancient Rome, were a rare yet intriguing aspect of the world of gladiatorial combat. Although women were not as commonly seen in the arena as their male counterparts, they did participate in battles and public spectacles. These fierce women would often fight against other female gladiators or sometimes even male opponents, displaying their strength, agility, and prowess in combat. They were seen as a novelty and attracted large audiences, as the idea of women fighting in the arena challenged traditional Roman gender roles and societal expectations. Some gladiatrices were slaves or prisoners of war, while others may have chosen the life of a gladiator voluntarily, seeking fame, fortune, or a means to prove themselves in a male-dominated society.
The Colosseum's Seating Arrangements
The Colosseum was designed to accommodate around 50,000 spectators, and its seating arrangements were strictly organized according to social class. The best seats, located closest to the arena, were reserved for senators, while the emperor had a private box known as the "imperial box." Higher levels were allocated to the equestrian class and other wealthy citizens, while the uppermost levels were for the general public and slaves. Unfortunately, while the upper tiers were available by special tours before COVID hit, I believe they are still currently inaccessible in 2023.
The Velarium
To protect spectators from the scorching sun, the Colosseum was equipped with an ingenious sunshade system called the "velarium." This retractable awning was made of large canvas sheets, which were suspended by ropes and pulleys from stone corbels on the outer wall. Sailors were employed to operate the velarium, using their expertise in managing sails to adjust the shade as needed throughout the day.
The Vomitoria
The Colosseum featured an advanced crowd-control system called "vomitoria," which consisted of 80 entrance and exit passages. These passages enabled spectators to enter and leave the amphitheater efficiently, ensuring that the Colosseum could be filled or emptied in just a few minutes. The word "vomitorium" is derived from the Latin "vomo," meaning "to spew forth," an apt description of how the crowd poured in and out of these passageways. It was not, contrary to popular rumor, a special room where the Roman elite could go vomit 🤮so they could eat more.
The Colosseum's Role in the Early Christian Church
Contrary to popular belief, the widespread notion of mass Christian martyrdom in the Colosseum is largely a myth. While it is possible that some Christians may have been killed within the Colosseum, their religion appears not to have been the primary cause, and they were likely part of the standard spectacles. We do know, however, that Christians were executed in other venues, such as the Circus Maximus and the Stadium of Domitian. The first Christian emperor, Constantine, played a significant role in ending gladiatorial games, mainly due to his moral convictions rather than a direct response to Christian persecution.
In a strange bout of irony, the myth of Christian martyrdom at the site may have been the biggest factor that contributed to the preservation of the Colosseum. During the Jubilee celebrations in 1675, Pope Clement X proclaimed the Colosseum a sacred site, honoring the memory of Christians believed to have been martyred there. Later, in the Holy Year of 1750, Pope Benedict XIV dedicated the Colosseum to the "Passion of Christ and the Holy Martyrs," installing the fourteen Stations of the Cross around the arena's perimeter. These were removed in 1874, but in 1926, Mussolini had a new cross erected, which still stands on the arena's north side. Today, the Colosseum remains an essential part of Rome's Easter celebrations, with the Pope participating in a Good Friday ceremony at the historic site.
The Colosseum as Living Quarters
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Colosseum evolved from a public spectacle venue to a wild, overgrown garden, with pockets of residential and commercial space. As the once-grand amphitheater fell into disrepair, it transformed into a makeshift neighborhood with dwellings and workshops within its walls. Families, artisans, and merchants occupied these spaces, while craftsmen produced goods like pottery, textiles, and metalwork. Artists and scholars studied the structure and documented its history.
In addition to housing, the Colosseum served as a source of raw materials during the Renaissance. The Colosseum was often used as a quarry, with stones and materials removed and repurposed for other construction projects throughout Rome. For example, the iconic travertine stones from the Colosseum were used to construct St. Peter's Basilica and other notable buildings. This recycling of materials is one of the reasons why the Colosseum is in its current state of ruin.
Tours
For tours of the Colosseum (and many other places in Rome!) I highly recommend Through Eternity. I’ve taken several tours with them over the years, and they’re always excellent.
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Loved learning about the "secrets" of the Colosseum! ...and the space elevator was so much fun!
Interestingly, the words naumachia and hypogeo are both Greek words which remain in modern Greek. Hypogeo means basement (υπογειο) and naumachia (ναυμαχια) means ship battle.