The Colosseum
Learn about the wonderful Colosseum
What was the Colosseum?
The large amphitheater known as the Colosseum is located in Rome, Italy. It was first built around 70-72 A.D. It was used for about 4 centuries for different events such as gladiator fights, wild animal hunts, and public executions.
When did the building process begin and end?
Once the emperor of Rome, Vespasian, decided to build the Colosseum, they began building sometime between 70-72 A.D. Vespasian was emperor of Rome from 69-79 A.D. Once he died in 79 A.D. Titus, his oldest son, completed the project in 81 A.D.
Why was the Colosseum built?
The Colosseum was built as a gift to the Roman citizens for their entertainment. Also to create a massive structure to show the wealth and power of Rome.
The picture below is what the colosseum used to look like.
What was a Gladiator event?
Gladiator games began in Rome over three centuries before the Collosseum was built. The size of the games grew over time to several hundred gladiators fighting at once during the height of the Roman Empire. During these events, slaves and prisoners of war fought with each other and animals as entertainment for spectators.
5 fun facts about gladiator events.
- Women also fought as Gladiators.
- They only rarely fought animals.
- The famous "thumbs down" didn't always mean death.
- They weren't always slaves.
- They didn't always fight to the death.