The Colosseum, Rome (1850s) by Robert MacphersonThe J. Paul Getty Museum
The Colosseum, or the Amphitheatrum Flavium to any ancient Romans in the audience. This arena was built between 72-80CE, on the orders of Emperor Vespasian, to host the most important sports events of the calendar.
Emperors knew that they were safe when the Roman people had enough bread to eat and sport to watch. Amongst their favourites were gladiatorial matches, battle re-enactments, wild and exotic animal hunts, and public executions.
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They say 'all roads lead to Rome', but which leads to the Colosseum? Stay on this slide, and point & click to explore the streets and find the Colosseum.
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Here it is, how did we ever lose it? It might be looking a little shabby today, but that's what 2000 years of history tend to do to you. Let's take a look inside, you did bring the tickets didn't you?
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Imagine stepping into this arena, 80,000 people cheering and chanting your name, underneath the floors are networks of tunnels and lifts to carry up beasts and men to the battlefield, and you await your fate.
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Excuse me, did you say we're in the vomitorium? Yes! The Romans didn't actually like to throw up after meals, but they did use vomitoria. The word means 'a passageway that can be emptied quickly', like an emergency exit. So you can see where the confusion arose...
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Anyway, that's enough blood and guts for one day, it's time for Romanes eunt domus. Thanks for joining today's scavenger hunt, but before you go why not take a look around the rest of the city. Rome wasn't explored in a day!
