10 Interesting Facts about the Colosseum in Rome

Built in 72 A.D, the Colosseum has remained the largest amphitheater in the world and is considered to be Rome´s most popular tourist attraction. Standing as the iconic symbol of Ancient Rome, this monument that once hosted the inhuman ¨games¨ of man vs. beast, is considered a Modern day Wonder! But there is so much about the Colosseum in Rome that no one knows about! Let our Localnomad blog share with you 10 of the most interesting facts about the Colosseum so that you can be ready for your trip to Rome and you can impress your friends, family, and passerbyers!

1)  The Coliseum in Rome has over 80 entrances and can accommodate about 50,000 spectators.

 2)  It is thought that over 500,000 people lost their lives and over a million wild animals were killed throughout the duration of the Colosseum hosted people vs. beast games.

3) The last gladiatorial fights took place in 435 AD. 

4) All Ancient Romans had free entry to the Colosseum for events, and was also fed throughout the show.

5)  Festivals as well as games could last up to 100 days in the Coliseum.

6)  The Ancient Romans would sometimes flood the Colosseum and have miniature ship naval battles inside as a way of entertainment.

7) The Colosseum in Italy only took 9 years to build using over 60,000 Jewish slaves.

8)  Many natural disasters devastated the structure of the Colosseum, but it was the earthquakes of 847 AD and 1231 AD that caused most of the damage you see today.

9)  The original name of the Coliseum was Flavian Amphitheater, after the Flavian Dynasty of Emperors.

10)  Rome´s most popular monument was built for three reasons. As a gift to the Roman Citizens from the Flavian Dynasty to increase their popularity, to stage various forms of entertainment, and to showcase Roman engineering techniques to the world.

Millions of people each year flock to this majestic structure in hopes to get some sense to what it was like to live during the Ancient Roman times. Now that you know all about 10 of the most interesting facts about Rome´s Coliseum, prepare your tickets to travel to Rome and click here to book a Localnomad apartment next to the Colosseum. We guarantee you will have an experience you will never forget. If you are planning your excursions around Rome.