Colosseum Tickets & Tours

Colosseum Tickets & Tours

Colosseum Tickets & Tours

Colosseum Tickets & Tours

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Our Expert Comparison for Your Visit to the Iconic Colosseum in Rome! We Have Handpicked the Top Options, So You Can Easily Choose Your Ideal Experience.

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Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Entry Tickets

4.3

10.3K Reviews

From €25

HeadOut

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Access To Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

It was so simple to use and we had the best day ever! So easy to find with the information on the app and it was the easiest thing ever!

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Combo (Save 16%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

4.2

28.9K Reviews

From €107.70

HeadOut

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Skip The Line Access To Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • Multilingual Expert Local Guide
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

Both guides (Sandra and Edy) were amazing, knew a lot, they were really nice, funny and relaxed.

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Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Ticket with Multimedia Video

4

12,421 Reviews

From €29.28

GetYourGuide

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Access To Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
  • 30-minute Ancient Rome Multimedia Video
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

Very easy place to collect our tickets and then pass without any queue to access the Colosseum. Magnificent visit to the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Of great beauty.

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Rome: Colosseum Tour with Access to the Gladiator Arena

4.3

6200 Reviews

From €59.40

GetYourGuide

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Skip The Line Access To Colosseum
  • Multilingual Expert Local Guide
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

My tour guide was a 10-star guide!! He was absolutely amazing! I got the best tour I can imagine!

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Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel

4.4

1.8K Reviews

From €160

HeadOut

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Duration 9 Hours
  • Guided Tour
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

Both guides, Nico (tour to Colosseo, Foron romano and Palattino) and Oscar (Tour to Vaticano museum, Capilla Sixtina and Basilica San Pedro) were great, they made a fantastic tour, very informative and funny. Thanks.

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Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Entry Tickets

10.3K Reviews

Enter the huge Colosseum, the world’s largest arena and today’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, where gladiators clashed in epic battles for glory. Prioritize access to Floors 1 and 2, immersing yourself in the echoes of ancient combat. Venture into the heart of Rome at the Roman Forum, a nexus of political and commercial life adorned with historic ruins. Ascend Palatine Hill, the city’s birthplace, for panoramic views revealing the roots of the Roman Empire. With tickets offering priority access and optional audio guides, delve into Rome’s storied past seamlessly.

  • Priority Entry To Colosseum Floors 1 & 2
  • Entry To Roman Forum
  • Entry To Palatine Hill
  • Digital Audio Guide In 6 Languages (Optional)
  • Audio-video Device In 6 Languages (Optional)
  • Digital Rome City Audio Guide (Optional)
  • Entry To Mamertine Prison (Optional)

Meeting point: Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma; Go to the “Individual Entrance Gate” and further to the “Visitors With Reservations” line.

Starting time: Depending on desired day and month, you’ll need to choose a time slot for entry.

Duration: Flexible. Your ticket is valid 24 hours after first use.

5* Elizabeth, Nov, 2023 [Source: Headout]

It was so simple to use and we had the best day ever! So easy to find with the information on the app and it was the easiest thing ever!

5* Camila, Nov, 2023 [Source: Headout]

The entrance was quick, we were able to walk around the entire Colosseum and take pictures. The monument itself is fantastic. The audios were a great help for the tour.

From €25

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HeadOut

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Access To Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

Combo (Save 16%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

28.9K Reviews

Embark on an extraordinary Roman experience with this comprehensive pass, ensuring exclusive entry to the UNESCO World Heritage site Colosseum, Palantine Hill, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel. Guided in six languages, bypass queues at the huge Colosseum, delving into its tumultuous history. Then, stroll through the historic Roman Forum, the epicenter of ancient political and economic life and climb the Palatine Hill for breathtaking panoramic views, uncovering the origins of the Roman Empire. Switch over to the Vatican Museums, exploring notable sections like the Gallery of Tapestries and Geographical Maps. Witness Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel frescoes depicting the Last Judgment and the Creation of Adam.

  • Skip The Line Access To Colosseum
  • Access To Colosseum Floors 1 And 2
  • Skip The Line Access To Roman Forum
  • Access To Palantine Hill
  • Skip The Line Access To Vatican Museums
  • Access To Sistine Chapel
  • Multilingual Expert Local Guide
  • Audio Equipment To Better Understand The Guide

Meeting point:
Colosseum: Colosseo, Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Musei Vaticani, Viale Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City

Starting Time: Select your preferred time slot.

Duration: 6 Hours

5* Iva, Nov, 2023 [Source: Headout]

Both guides (Sandra and Edy) were amazing, knew a lot, they were really nice, funny and relaxed. It looked as if it was the first time they were giving a tour, that’s how enthusiastic they were. I would recommend it to everyone.

5* Nicolas, Nov, 2023 [Source: Headout]

Dr. Alicia Esteban demonstrated extensive knowledge and experience in every detail observed and at the same time each question she answered with a consistent and detailed response. Should I return to Rome I would definitely want to have Alicia again.

From €107.70

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Headout

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Skip The Line Access To Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • Multilingual Expert Local Guide
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Ticket with Multimedia Video

12,421 Reviews

Commence a journey to the heart of ancient Rome with tickets granting entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of daily life in ancient Rome with a captivating 30-minute multimedia video. Prior to your exploration, delve into the historical context through this visual narrative. Wander through the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site, where gladiator fights, executions, and animal hunts once unfolded. Enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided tour through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, unraveling the layers of history at your own pace. Optional audio guides in seven languages are available to enhance your experience.

  • Access To Colosseum
  • Access To Roman Forum
  • Access To Palatine Hill
  • 30-minute Ancient Rome Multimedia Video
  • Audio Guide In 7 Languages (Optional)
  • Assistance At The Meeting Point
  • Paper City Map
  • Wi-fi
  • Toilet Lounge

Meeting point: Touristation Office, Piazza Ara Coeli, 16; Here, you need to exchange your voucher for an entrance ticket.

Starting time: Select your preferred starting time, available from 9 AM to 2 PM, every hour

Duration: 3 hours

5* Mernier – Belgium, November 3, 2023 – Verified booking

Very easy place to collect our tickets and then pass without any queue to access the Colosseum. Magnificent visit to the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. Of great beauty.

5* GetYourGuide traveler – Belgium, November 1, 2023 – Verified booking

The audio guide is very interesting to progress at your own pace and at your ease, I recommend it with children.

From €29.28

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GetYourGuide

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Access To Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
  • 30-minute Ancient Rome Multimedia Video
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

Rome: Colosseum Tour with Access to the Gladiator Arena

6200 Reviews

Experience a thrilling journey through time with skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, where the echoes of ancient battles come to life. Step into the legendary Colosseum Arena, where courageous gladiators once faced off in epic duels. Explore the ground floor and ascend to the second tier of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, unveiling the grandeur of this colossal amphitheater. Enrich your adventure with a multilingual expert local guide, whose vivid narration transports you to the days of roaring crowds and valiant gladiators. Enhance your experience with provided audio equipment, ensuring every detail of this captivating tale is vividly heard and felt.

  • Skip The Line Access To Colosseum
  • Access To Colosseum Arena
  • Access To The Ground Floor And 2nd Tier
  • Multilingual Expert Local Guide
  • Audio Equipment To Better Understand The Guide

Meeting point:

Via del Colosseo, 24, 00184 Roma; Above Colosseo station metro line B (blue line), around the corner from Caffè Roma

Starting time: Select your preferred starting time.

Duration: 1,5 hours

5* Jenny – United States, November 15, 2023 – Verified booking

My tour guide was a 10-star guide!! He was absolutely amazing! I got the best tour I can imagine! He was so knowledgeable of the Colosseum that I felt like I was getting the VIP celebrity treatment of a tour. He made it fun and related things from 2000 years ago to today. For example, using cancel culture from today’s times to explain how society was back then! Very thankful we signed up! I hope everyone has an amazing time like we did! Keep up the great tours!

5* Brad – United Kingdom, November 15, 2023 – Verified booking

Well organized and extremely informative. Definitely worth the money when travelling to explore this amazing building with so much history. I would highly recommend.

From €59.40

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GetYourGuide

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Skip The Line Access To Colosseum
  • Multilingual Expert Local Guide
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel

1.8K Reviews

Embark on an extraordinary Roman experience with this “Rome in a Day” package, ensuring exclusive entry to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Guided in 8 languages, bypass queues at the Vatican Museums, exploring notable sections like the Gallery of Tapestries and Geographical Maps. Witness Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel frescoes depicting the Last Judgment and the Creation of Adam. Transition seamlessly to the Renaissance-style St. Peter’s Basilica, with its opulent Baroque interiors. Move effortlessly to Palatine Hill for panoramic views, discovering the origins of the Roman Empire. Explore the world-famous Colosseum, delving into its tumultuous history, and finally, stroll through the historic Roman Forum, the epicenter of ancient political and economic life.

  • Skip the line access to Colosseum
  • Skip the line access to Roman Forum
  • Skip the line access to Sistine Chapel
  • Skip the line access to Vatican Museums
  • Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Multilingual expert local guide
  • Audio equipment to better understand the guide
  • Semi-private tour (optional)

Meeting point: Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions

Starting time: Select your preferred starting time.

Duration: 9 hours

5* Vicente, Dec, 2022

Both guides, Nico (tour to Colosseo, Foron romano and Palattino) and Oscar (Tour to Vaticano museum, Capilla Sixtina and Basilica San Pedro) were great, they made a fantastic tour, very informative and funny. Thanks.

5* Grace, Aug, 2022

This tour was absolutely incredible. The Vatican and Colosseum tours were so well organized and efficient. As a group you are able to bypass the lines of people with individual tickets. We had an amazing tour guides at both places and learned so much. The tour guides are so knowledgeable and really given insider information. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone going to Rome.

From €160

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Headout

  • Instant Confirmation
  • Mobile Ticket
  • Duration 9 Hours
  • Guided Tour
  • No Cancellation Or Rebooking

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What Is So Special About the Colosseum in Rome?

The Colosseum stands as a majestic testament to ancient Roman engineering and a symbol of unparalleled architectural brilliance. This iconic amphitheater, constructed in 70-80 AD, hosted spectacular gladiatorial contests, grand animal hunts, and mock sea battles, captivating audiences of up to 80,000 spectators.

Its innovative design allowed for swift and efficient crowd dispersal. The Colosseum’s enduring allure lies in its colossal scale, serving as a poignant reminder of Rome’s cultural and historical significance. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing over 7 million visitors per year, who marvel at its grandeur and delve into the compelling narratives of ancient Roman life.

Compare Your Colosseum Tickets Options

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Entry Tickets

4,3

10.3K Reviews

Flexible

HeadOut

€25

Combo (Save 16%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

4,2

28.9K Reviews

6 Hours

HeadOut

€107.70

Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Ticket with Multimedia Video

4

12,421 Reviews

3 Hours

GetYourGuide

€29.28

Rome: Colosseum Tour with Access to the Gladiator Arena

4,3

6200 Reviews

1,5 Hours

GetYourGuide

€59.40

Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel

4,4

1.8K Reviews

9 Hours

Headout

€160

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Entry Tickets

10.3K Reviews

Duration: Flexible

Inclusions:

  • Priority entry to Colosseum Floors 1 & 2
  • Entry to Roman Forum
  • Skip The Line Access To Vatican Museums
  • Entry to Palatine Hill
  • Digital audio guide in 6 languages (optional)
  • Audio-video device in 6 languages (optional)
  • Digital Rome city audio guide (optional)
  • Entry to Mamertine Prison (optional)

Prices Starting

€25

Book Now!

HeadOut

Combo (Save 16%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

28.9K Reviews

Duration: 6 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Professional Expert Local Guide
  • Skip-the-Line Access to Colosseum
  • Fully guided visit of the Colosseum
  • Access to Colosseum Arena (if semi-private option is selected)
  • Skip-the-Line Access to Roman Forum
  • Skip-the-Line Access to Palatine Hill
  • Free Wi-Fi at meeting point
  • Headsets to better understand the guide

Prices Starting

€107.70

Book Now!

HeadOut

Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Ticket with Multimedia Video

12,421 Reviews

Duration: 3 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Skip the line access to Colosseum
  • Access to Colosseum Floors 1 and 2
  • Skip the line access to Roman Forum
  • Access to Palantine Hill
  • Skip the line access to Vatican Museums
  • Multilingual expert local guide
  • Audio equipment to better understand the guide

Prices Starting

€29.28

Book Now!

GetYourGuide

Rome: Colosseum Tour with Access to the Gladiator Arena

6200 Reviews

Duration: 1,5 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Skip the line access to Colosseum
  • Access to Colosseum Arena
  • Access to the ground floor and 2nd tier
  • Multilingual expert local guide
  • Audio equipment to better understand the guide

Prices Starting

€59.40

Book Now!

GetYourGuide

Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel

1.8K Reviews

Duration: 9 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Skip the line access to Colosseum
  • Skip the line access to Roman Forum
  • Skip the line access to Sistine Chapel
  • Skip the line access to Vatican Museums
  • Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Multilingual expert local guide
  • Audio equipment to better understand the guide
  • Semi-private tour (optional)

Prices Starting

€160

Book Now!

Headout

Prepare Your Colosseum Visit in Advance

To optimize your Colosseum experience, careful planning is crucial. There’s a variety of ticket options available, ranging from skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and combo tickets, but we’ve handpicked the most popular ones to make your visit seamless.

Given the daily visitor limit and rapid ticket sales, it’s highly advisable to purchase tickets online several months in advance, particularly during peak seasons. This guarantees you won’t miss this unique experience and avoids lengthy ticket lines.

Plan Your Visit

Why Visit the Colosseum in Rome?

  • Iconic Symbol: The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, representing the grandeur of Roman engineering and architecture.
  • Historical Significance: It holds immense historical significance, serving as the site of gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles, reflecting the culture of ancient Rome.
  • Architectural Marvel: Renowned for its innovative design, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built, showcasing advanced engineering techniques of the time.
  • Cultural Experience: A visit provides a cultural journey into the past, offering insights into the lives of Romans and their entertainment preferences.
  • Photographic Opportunities: The Colosseum’s impressive structure and surroundings offer excellent photographic opportunities
  • Educational Value: Guided tours enhance understanding, providing context to the historical and architectural significance of the monument.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its universal cultural importance
  • Symbol of Endurance: Despite centuries of wear, the Colosseum stands as a symbol of endurance, resilience, and the enduring legacy of ancient Rome

Colosseum Highlights

Arena

The Arena of the Colosseum in Rome, a marvel of ancient engineering, once hosted epic gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. This elliptical amphitheater, measuring 86 meters by 54 meters, had a capacity of 80,000 spectators. The arena floor, originally covered in sand, witnessed fierce battles between gladiators and wild animals.

Today, visitors can stand on this historic ground, imagining the roars of the crowd and the dramatic events that unfolded in this iconic symbol of Roman grandeur and entertainment. To access the Colosseum Arena, a dedicated guided tour ticket is required, providing an exclusive experience.

Architecture

The Colosseum, a towering symbol of grandeur, exemplifies Ancient Rome’s architectural prowess. Constructed between 70-80 AD, this colossal amphitheater remains a testament to engineering excellence and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 due to its historical, cultural, and architectural importance

The intricate system of ramps, arches, and seating arrangements reflects a sophisticated understanding of construction. The Colosseum’s enduring presence magnifies its role as a cultural icon, standing as a tribute to ancient engineering brilliance and the grand events that once unfolded within its walls.

Underground

Beneath the iconic Colosseum lies its hidden gem – the Hypogeum, the Colosseum’s intricate underground. This labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers once housed gladiators, exotic animals, and stage props, providing a backstage view of ancient spectacles. Sophisticated lifts and pulleys transported them to the arena

Today, exclusive guided tours offer a glimpse into this captivating world, unveiling the ingenious engineering and vivid history behind the grandeur above ground. Exploring the Colosseum’s underground transports visitors back in time, revealing the secrets and stories of this renowned symbol of Roman history.

Colosseum Museum

Situated on the second level of the amphitheater, the Colosseum Museum enhances the visitor experience with a comprehensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Showcasing the history of the Colosseum and Ancient Rome, the museum unveils intricate details of gladiatorial combat, architecture, and daily life.

Marvel at armor, ancient weapons, archaeological excavations, and other items related to the gladiatorial games. A visit to the Colosseum Museum offers a captivating journey through time, connecting modern-day visitors to the rich heritage of Ancient Rome.

Plan Your Visit to the Colosseum in Rome

November 1st – December 31st: 8.30 AM – 4.30 PM
January 2nd – February 28th/29th: 9.00 AM – 4.30 PM


Last admission: 3.30 PM

Closed on December 25th and January 1st

The best time to visit the Colosseum is typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon just before closing to avoid the peak crowds. Early mornings provide a serene atmosphere, allowing you to appreciate the monument with fewer visitors.

Alternatively, late afternoons offer the advantage of softer sunlight and potentially smaller crowds compared to midday. Additionally, visiting during the off season (November – March) can further enhance your experience by providing a more relaxed environment.

Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

The Colosseum stands in the heart of Rome near other historical landmarks, and is therefore easily accessible.

Here are various public transportation options to reach the amphitheater:

  • By metro: Line B (blue line): Colosseo station
  • By tram: Line 8: Colosseo stop
  • By bus: Lines 3NAV, 51, 75, 85, 87, 117, 118: Colosseo stop

Colosseum has made efforts to enhance accessibility for visitors. The monument is equipped with ramps and elevators to facilitate entry for individuals with mobility challenges. However, due to its ancient architecture, some areas, especially the higher tiers, may be challenging for wheelchair users.

Inside the Colosseum, there is no cafe or restaurant. However, there are cafes and restaurants in walking distance of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill where visitors can enjoy meals and refreshments.

For a more extensive dining experience, it’s advisable to explore the nearby neighborhoods, such as the Monti district, where you can find a variety of restaurants offering both Italian and international cuisine.

>> Read more: Best Restaurants near the Colosseum

  • ID: Ensure you have a valid ID or passport with you and be prepared to present it upon request at the time of entry.
  • Security Check: All visitors must go through security checks before entering the Colosseum. Bags are usually screened, and there may be restrictions on bringing large backpacks or certain items inside.
  • Photography: Photography is generally allowed, but the use of tripods and professional equipment may require special permission. Flash photography may be restricted in some areas.
  • Respect for Artifacts: Visitors are expected to respect the historical artifacts and structures. Climbing on the ruins or touching the ancient walls is usually prohibited.
  • Behavioral Rules: Visitors are expected to follow established rules for behavior, including not littering and refraining from disruptive behavior.
  • Pet Policy: With the exception of assistance dogs, pets are generally not allowed

There is no strict dress code for visiting the Colosseum, but dressing comfortably is advised. Wear comfortable footwear for walking on uneven terrain. Consider the weather, especially in summer, and bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.

If combining with a visit to the Vatican, remember to dress modestly, ensuring your attire covers the shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the religious nature of the site.

FAQ – Colosseum Rome Ticket & Visit

Colosseum tickets begin at €19, providing priority entry to Colosseum Floors 1 & 2, as well as access to the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. There are a range of other ticket options, such as guided tours or access to special areas like the Underground, the Colosseum Arena, and the Belvedere, as well as combo tickets visiting other must-see sites like the Vatican.

>> See our handpicked selection of the most popular ticket options.

The Colosseum is located in the heart of Rome, Italy. Its precise address is Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. This iconic amphitheater is easily accessible and is situated near other historical landmarks, making it a central and prominent destination in the city.

>> Read more: Colosseum Location, Directions & Traveler Tips

The Colosseum was built between 70-80 AD under the emperors Vespasian and Titus of the Flavian dynasty. Its construction was part of a series of monumental building projects initiated by the Flavian emperors to showcase their power and restore public confidence after the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD).

>> Learn more about the history of the Colosseum in Rome on our dedicated page.

The Colosseum was primarily built as a venue for public spectacles, including gladiator contests, animal hunts, executions, and mock sea battles. These events were a means for emperors to demonstrate their generosity to the people and to maintain social order by providing a form of mass entertainment. The Colosseum could accommodate tens of thousands of spectators and became a symbol of Roman engineering and architectural innovation.

The missing half of the Colosseum is a result of centuries of natural disasters, vandalism, and human activities. Much of the Colosseum’s original stone and marble were reused in various construction projects throughout Rome over the centuries, contributing to the gradual decline of the monument. Additionally, earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters took their toll on the Colosseum. The southern side of the Colosseum, in particular, was severely damaged by a major earthquake in 1349. The damage was substantial, leading to the collapse of a significant portion of the outer wall.

>> Find more fascinating facts on our dedicated page: Facts about the Colosseum in Rome

It’s challenging to determine an exact number of gladiators who died in the Colosseum, as historical records on such details are limited and often imprecise. Estimates suggest that over the approximately 350 years the Colosseum hosted events, up to 400,000 individuals, including gladiators, slaves, convicts, prisoners, and various other performers, may have met their demise within its walls. The amphitheater bore witness to a significant loss of life during its use for a range of human blood sports and spectacles, highlighting the brutal nature of the entertainment that took place in ancient Rome.

Estimating the exact number of animals killed in the Colosseum is challenging, as historical records from ancient Rome provide varied and imprecise information. It’s estimated that approximately one million animals lost their lives during the 390 years of the Colosseum’s activity. The introduction of a spectacle known as “venatio”, essentially translating to hunting, was a prominent feature in amphitheaters throughout ancient Rome. This practice involved the staged combat and display of wild animals, contributing to a substantial toll on various species over nearly four centuries within the amphitheater’s walls.

The “Porta Libitinensis”, commonly referred to as the “Gate of Death” or “Death Gate,” was not a specific gate in the Colosseum, but a symbolic term associated with gladiatorial combat.

In ancient Roman amphitheaters, including the Colosseum, the Porta Libitinensis was a gate used to remove the bodies of deceased gladiators and animals after the conclusion of events. This gate served as the exit point for those who did not survive the brutal contests within the arena. The name “Libitinensis” is derived from the Roman goddess Libitina, who was associated with funerals and death. While the Colosseum itself does not have a designated “Gate of Death,” the concept reflects the grim reality of the fate that awaited many participants in the gladiatorial games held in Roman amphitheaters.

The Colosseum’s real name is the “Flavian Amphitheatre” (in Latin, “Amphitheatrum Flavium”). It was named after the Flavian dynasty of emperors who commissioned its construction: Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. The amphitheater earned its nickname “Colosseum” due to the colossal statue of Nero, the “Colossus of Nero,” that once stood nearby. Over time, the name Colosseum became widely used to refer to this iconic Roman structure.

The holes in the Colosseum, known as “putlog holes,” served a practical construction purpose. They were used during the initial construction of the Colosseum to support a series of wooden scaffolding or structures that facilitated the construction process. The Colosseum was built using a complex system of Roman concrete, bricks, and stone blocks. The putlog holes were created by inserting wooden beams into the gaps left in the structure as it was built. These beams provided support for the scaffolding used by workers as they constructed the upper levels of the amphitheater.