Beyond it’s iconic arches and ancient stones, the colosseum holds many secrets that many visitors never hear about. Here are some lesser known facts about Rome’s most famous monument.
1) It’s not its real name
The Colosseum’s official name is the Flavian Amphitheatre, named after the Flavian dynasty of emperors who built it. “Colosseum” likely comes from colossal statue of Nero.
2) It was built in just 8 years
Construction started in AD 72 under Emperor Vespasian and was completed in AD 80 under his son Titus, remarkably fast such a massive structure.
3) It had a retractable roof
Well, sort of a giant awning called the velarium could be pulled over parts of the Colosseum to shade spectators from the sun. Sailors from the Roman navy operated it.
4) Underground tunnels were a game changer
The hypogum, a vast network of underground tunnels and cages, allowed animals and gladiators to appear dramatically through trapdoors.
5) It was a stone quarry
During Middle Ages and Renaissance, locals looted the colosseum for marble and stone to build palaces to build palaces, churches, and even St. Peter’s Basilica.
6) It ruins became a jungle
Secluded from the city, the remains of Colosseum became a unique habitat for staggering variety of plants. Last counted there were 242 species.
7) It wasn’t always considered so important
Throughout the medieval era, the Colosseum wasn’t particularly an important building . It housed a small chapel and its stone was quarried for use in other buildings around the city.
Featuring Image Courtesy: Travel+ Leisure
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