Five Facts: The Coliseum

From its original name inspired by a dynasty of Flavius emperors to why one of the building materials mysteriously went missing, the Coliseum is full of weird and wonderful facts. Here are our five favorites.

By Go City Expert
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The Coliseum is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and silhouettes. Although most of us know the vague history of the Coliseum – like how it was built around 70 AD and used for gladiator fights – we’ve found five fun facts we bet you didn’t know (and trivia that will be a sure-fire savior on a pub quiz!)

So when you visit Rome and have devoured a travel guidebook in preparation, you can visit the Coliseum knowing that little bit extra about the masterpiece stamped on the back of Italy’s five-cent coin.

🪙>> Speaking of coins, you can save up to 55% on entry to the Coliseum with the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass. 

1. Spectator Sports

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We know the Coliseum was used for gladiator fights, but did you know the Coliseum was also used for miniature naval boat battles? The lower wooden floor of the amphitheater was removed to fill the cells with water to hold these events, which understandably weren’t quite as nail-biting as the prisoner executions.

Due to popular demand, fight-to-the-death entertainment was a firm favorite among the adrenaline-seeking Romans. Consequently, it pushed the small boating tradition out to another venue, and the wooden floor was secured down permanently.

2. It all turned to ruin

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The Coliseum is an impressive structure and it has stood the test of time for nearly 2000 years – with the help of restorative facelifts. The first damage to the building was caused by a fire when it was struck by lightning in the year 217 AD which put the amphitheater out of use for nearly 20 years.

Later, four separate earthquakes in the years 442, 508, 847, and 1231 AD led to irreparable destruction over the years. The one in 847 AD specifically caused the Coliseum’s southern side to collapse. Saying this, the Coliseum as we see it today is still standing majestically, supported by much of its original structure and architecture.

3. Misnomer?

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Did you know that the word ‘colosseum’ is now used as a generic term for any large amphitheater used for sports and entertainment? It was coined by the Romans after they named their very own Coliseum after a colossus (giant statue) of Nero which stood nearby. Now, the one in Rome is obviously the most recognized ‘Colosseum’ in the world and is in fact the only one to be capitalized and recognized as The Coliseum.

Before this though, it was christened the Amphitheatrum Flavium, after the dynasty of Flavius emperors, and you can still see its original name etched into an engraving on the wall. Talking of aliases, did you know the West Exit, as we call it today, used to be called the ‘death exit’ because that was the exit through which the unlucky gladiators were disposed of if they had lost their fight.

4. Missing marble masterpieces

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Whether it was because they were short of resources or whether they wanted to recycle a bit of history (most probably the former) a lot of the costly marble in the Coliseum was stolen by architects during the construction of several big builds throughout the Renaissance.

Most notably St Peter’s Basilica where the marble was used to construct the façade of the grand cathedral. It’s believed that the marble was also used for private purposes and to furnish the builds of the 'palazzi' for the Roman rich and famous.

5. What lies beneath

Coliseum

If you’ve ever wandered around the Coliseum you’ll notice that on the ground a spread of greenery covers the walkways like a thin carpet. This is a diverse flora, as documented since 1643, where nearly 350 different species of plant and vegetation have taken root among the old stonework.

Due to the mild climate and good summers, the flora has thrived, and clearly, the thousands of feet that have trodden them down over the years must have had little effect. So if you’re a botanist or keen on your horticulture, there’s another reason to visit.

Feeling inspired? Visit the Coliseum with the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass and save up to 55%

Skyline of Rome with Coliseum

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Top 10 Things for your Rome Bucket List

Be adventurous, put the guidebook down and think outside the box with this bucket list of top things to do in Rome. Aside from the popular Rome attractions like the Coliseum and Vatican – which are a given – there are so many more places to go and see. So we’ve spoken to the locals and got some recommendations for you to make your trip to Rome even better. Have an ice cream at Fatamorgana Rome is one of the best places to go for good food and good wine. Among the many options to suit everyone you can’t miss the delicious organic and authentic gelateria Fatamorgana in the uber trendy Monti district. Just a 5-10 minute walk up from the Coliseum and Roman Forum it’s a great place to go to cool off and get a sugar hit. From sweet sorbets to creamy chocolates it’s well worth a visit. Toss a coin into Trevi Fountain and make a wish One of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, Trevi Fountain is undeniably bucket list worthy. In these selfie stick days at least it makes getting a picture in the crowds that bit easier! Did you know that throwing a coin into the fountain is meant to bring you good luck and ensure you will return to Rome? You may as well throw in a handful to raise your odds! We also recommend visiting Trevi Fountain after dark when the baroque marble is lit up, plus it's normally a lot quieter. Walk around the Orange Garden A hidden gem, the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) is a quiet sanctuary right in the middle of the bustle of Rome. You wouldn’t know it but just a few streets up from the busy road circulating the Circus Maximus you’ll find this orange tree filled garden. It’s a great place to watch the sun go down, especially if you've planned with a bottle of wine for a romantic picnic. Have a selfie with a Gladiator One of the main symbols of Rome are the Gladiators stationed outside the Coliseum and Roman Forum 24/7. Dressed up in their Spartan gear, a selfie is mandatory before you leave the Eternal City. Don’t forget with the Roma Pass you can skip the lines and visit the Coliseum and Roman Forum for free! Views at the top of St Peter’s Dome Undeniably one of the best views of Rome is from the top of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica. Nothing can quite prepare you for the breathtaking panorama over Rome from this unrivalled vantage point at the centre of the Vatican, overlooking the rooftops of Rome in the distance and the iconic piazza underneath. With 360 degrees of uninterrupted city it really is a non-mover on the bucket list. Walk around the ruins at Appia Antica Not many people think to venture that far out of Rome but there is so much more to discover outside the city centre – if you just dare! Vast ruins lie waiting to be explored, such as Appia Antica, one of Rome’s historic attractions, an archaeological site that was built back in 312 BC to connect the road to the south. Stroll through the Appia historic park and you’ll see tombs, ruins and catacombs that will unlock Rome’s rich past. Hire a go cart around Villa Borghese Villa Borghese is a must-visit during your trip to Rome as it’s one of the most accessible parks in the city. In the summer you’ll find it busy with sunbathers, picnickers and roller-bladers, but what’s even more fun though is if you hire a go-kart and have a go at pedalling your way around yourself. You can hire these at various locations around the park, usually for one hour or even half a day. It’s great fun and definitely not something you’d do every day! Make sure the more confident driver is at the wheel as there are a few bumpy bits and steep inclines! See the dome in Sant’Ignazio One of Rome’s best hidden gems is the church of Sant’Ignazio just around the corner from the Pantheon. From the outside this church doesn’t look anything out of the ordinary, in fact it looks a lot like every other city church. However, when you step inside and look up at the ceiling you’ll be taken aback by the optical illusion painted on the roof. Don’t be fooled into thinking the church’s dome is actually concave; the painter, Andrea Pozzo, painted it on a flat surface with the 3D effect! Very clever... See the traditional guards at the Vatican London’s Tower of London has its Beefeaters, but at the Vatican, visitors can see the (semi-equivalent) Papal Swiss Guard in all their finery. At St Peter’s Basilica you will see them stationed at various posts in their yellow and purble robes. Their institution dates back to the 15th when and they traditionally served as guards to foreign European courts, now, the Swiss Guard's role is like a bodyguard to the Pope and they have to match a certain criteria such as having completed basic training with the Swiss military. Campagna Amica Market The Forum Boarium, the oldest Roman Forum, is home to two ancient temples and was once Rome’s ancient cattle market. It’s now a selling point of the most exclusive neighbourhoods with unparalleled views over the Forum, Circus Maximus and the Capitoline Hill. On the weekend, we recommend you head down to the Campagna Amica market to sample some locally sourced delicacies from smooth olive oil to fresh prosciutto. If you want to make a morning of it, why not have a coffee at Cristalli dello Zucchero first to get your caffeine hit.
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A Guide to the Real Food and Wine of Rome

Whether you are a passionate foodie visiting Rome in order to broaden your culinary horizon, or a first-timer in the country, eating well in the eternal city is a must. Authentic, fresh food is at the heart of Italian culture and Roman cuisine is often based on seasonal, fresh produce. As with every region, in Rome there are some dishes that are well-established classics among the locals. Although you should steer clear of tourist traps around the Fori and historical centre, finding a decent eatery in Rome is not a difficult feat. There are many good and affordable restaurants near the Vatican, Trastevere area and Borghese gallery. If you are looking to stay closer to the centre, try visiting the Jewish Quarter, Campo de’ Fiori and the young and hip Monti area. Once you’ve found your spot, it’s time for the dining to commence! Mapping your Meal But before you dive into the delights of ‘La Cucina Romana’, it’s important to get your bearings. First things first: Antipasti. This is your pre-meal appetizer, and traditionally consists of local cured meats, cheeses, vegetables or fritti (fried food). At a more informal pizzeria or trattoria, try a true Roman antipasto: suppl ì. Not, as any proud Roman will tell you, to be confused with the Sicilian arancini, supplì are deep-fried, oval-shaped balls of risotto rice with a melted mozzarella centre. Another Roman fritto not to be missed is fiori di zucca (deep-fried courgette flowers in batter, often made with anchovies). After antipasti, you usually move on to primi. This is the first course of a classic Italian meal, but can be eaten as a main course. Pasta features heavily as a primo in Rome, along with soup and rice dishes. Next in line is secondi, which is the main, or ‘second’ course, normally a carb-free affair consisting of fish or meat, often ordered with a contorno (side). The Festival of Pasta Pasta is the staple of any Roman diet, and with basic, flavoursome ingredients, Romans do it well. Flawless pasta is not an arbitrary undertaking either. Pasta shapes, their cooking time and optimal sauce pairings are meticulously considered and rooted in Italian cuisine. One of the best examples of a simple yet fantastically tasty local dish is Bucatini all’amatriciana, a historic dish that first originated in Amatrice. In Rome, amatriciana is made with bucatini: thick, spaghetti-shaped tubes, which, in this recipe, are covered with a rich tomato sauce made with pork cheek (guanciale), pecorino and usually also onion, garlic and chilli. Spaghetti alla carbonara is a pasta dish that is known around the world, but you haven’t had it until you’ve had it in Rome. First brought to Lazio by coal men (carbonari, hence the name) from Umbria, it is now a staple dish on most Roman menus. Made with guanciale or pancetta (Italian bacon), eggs, parmesan, olive oil and pepper, this is a recipe with few ingredients, but one that is surprisingly difficult to get right. When it is, it’s delectable. Another Roman pasta dish that cannot be omitted is Spaghetti cacio e pepe. This is basically like macaroni cheese with a continental makeover. ‘Cacio’ is the ever-prevalent pecorino romano, while ‘pepe’ is pepper – these are the two ingredients that make this concoction mouth-watering. Pizza You simply can’t go to Rome and not have pizza. You cannot. Pizza romana, with its signature thin, crunchy crust is renowned as one of Italy’s best. However, it is worth noting that different regions have their own style of pizza perfection, one of the most famous being pizza from Naples (pizza napolitana) which has a much thicker crust. Pizza is often accompanied by beer rather than wine and is traditionally an evening dish. For pizza on-the-go, try bakeries and pizzerias that sell pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice). Secondi Piatti When ordering secondi, choose local produce that is made in true regional style, such as Abbacchio alla scottadito (charcoal-grilled, marinated lamb cutlets). ‘Abbacchio’ is little lamb in the local dialect, while ‘scottadito’ means ‘finger burning’. Perhaps not the most enticing name at first glance, it is actually a humorous take on the fact that the cutlets are traditionally eaten by hand and served hot. Another variation of this meal is Abbacchio arrosto (roast lamb with herbs.) For those with a more adventurous palette, try Coda alla vaccinara, also known as Roman oxtail stew, made with celery, carrot, herbs, tomato and pancetta. The coda itself has a sweet and sour taste, prepared using raisins or candied fruit. Roman cuisine features a lot of dishes based on offal, or ‘quinto quarto’, including Pajata (lamb, veal or goat kid intestines) and even Testarelle (whole roasted lamb’s or goat kid’s head). Not for the faint of heart. If you would rather opt for fish, a typical Roman dish to try is Filetti di baccalà fritti (batter-fried baccalà). Although this dish is available throughout the year in Roman restaurants, it is traditionally eaten only once a year, for Christmas, and is the result of several days’ work if using salted cod. Vegetarian Delicatessen With its fresh vegetables, legumes and cheeses, Roman cuisine is in fact a vegetarian wonderland. Vegetarian options can be found on almost all typical Roman menus and there are even a few common dishes that are suitable for vegans, such as gnocchi al pomodoro or pizza marinara. A great veggie appetizer is the simple but delicious bruschetta aglio ed olio (toasted bread with garlic and olive oil) or bruschetta alla romana (topped with fresh, chopped tomatoes and herbs). A great, typical Roman dish to look out for is Puntarelle, a variety of Catalonian chicory that is found exclusively in Rome. A seasonal green, it is usually available from November until February and is painstakingly prepared by cutting off the tender tips of the plant, which are then soaked and tossed. Although the traditional dressing is not vegetarian (it contains anchovies, along with garlic and vinegar), you can find vegetarian varieties. Another must-taste delicacy is Carciofi (artichokes). These come in two styles that reign in Rome. One is Carciofi alla romana (Roman artichokes), stripped, violet artichokes that are stuffed with a mix of oil, lemon, garlic, parsley and mint, then braised until tender. The other, Jewish-style artichoke dish, Carciofi alla giudia, uses globe artichokes and is deep-fried, salty and equally delicious. The latter is common in the historic Jewish ghetto of Rome. Desserts Now you’ve had your primo and secondo, it’s time for dolci (dessert). Italy is famous for some of the world’s most mouthwatering treats, and Rome is certainly no exception. Starting with their breakfast cornetti (cream or chocolate filled pastries), Romans don’t do things in halves when it comes to the sweet stuff. Of course, there’s gelato. We all know that one. But how about gelato made from ricotta cheese? A Roman specialty, this is more like a chilled sorbet-pudding made with ricotta, eggs and cognac. Decadence seems to be key concept for Roman pastries. Take for example the Bignè di San Giuseppe, also known as Zeppole. These are deep-fried or baked sugary dough balls, about the size of a fist, oozing (think volcanic quantities) with a cream filling. Another heart-stopping Roman classic is Maritozzi con la panna. Guaranteed to leave you with a creamy grin, these are a cross between bread and pastry, opened like a sandwich and filled with cream. The wine of Ancient Rome Historically, the areas around Rome have been important in the production of wine (particularly white wine) and there are many vineyards in the Lazio region, which has volcanic soil, lakes and a mild climate. Frascati wine is produced a stone’s throw away from Rome, in the Castelli Romani area, and is the most well-known wine of the region. The white wines especially are delicate and can be paired with fish, antipasti and cheeses. Near Montefiascone is where the famous and peculiarly named Est! Est! Est! wine is produced with the grapes of Trebbiano Toscano e Malvasia. This is an aromatic wine that goes well with appetizers such as artichokes and fritti. For a red variety, try Cesanese, cultivated towards the south of Lazio in the areas of Piglio, Frosinone and Zagarolo. This increasingly popular variety has a warm aroma of mulberry, blueberry and juniper. It can be served with meat dishes such abbacchio (lamb) and stews, or with gnocchi. Eat Like a Local To eat authentic, quality local food is one of life’s pleasures, and what better place to do it than in Rome? Not to mention that food in Rome is more than just an iconic red-checkered tablecloth and a bowl full of pasta. It is a social ritual, a tradition and an important part of a rich cultural heritage. It’s about sharing, chatting and possibly eating ‘til you burst at the seams. Buon Appetito!
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Three courses in Rome’s best restaurants

As Elizabeth Gilbert rightly points out in her book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, Rome is a city renowned for its gastronomic delicacies and where neighbourhoods are lined with pasticcerias, pizzerias and gelaterias. When you’re visiting Rome, you most certainly won’t leave hungry and even if you try, it is hard to find a bad meal – though be careful, you can find an overpriced one. Whatever the premise of your trip to the Eternal City, make sure you allow yourself time to have a true taste of the Roman culture. To make it easier for you we’ve come up with a simple itinerary to experience the best of local delicacies and traditions, from starter through to desert. Freni e Frizione An old car part garage, Freni e Frizione (whose name actually means ‘brakes and clutches’) is the place to go for a true sense of young, vibrant Roman foodie life. Nestled in a cobbled corner of Trastevere, this bar isn’t just visited for its strong drinks as much as its legendary antipasti. The place attracts drives of locals to join the culture of ‘little nibbles’ that Italy is so famous for, so make sure you get there early. Doors open at 7pm and the rule is that when you buy a drink you are entitled to as much food from the antipasti selection as you can stomach. Well, within reason. Laid out like an artisan buffet, you’re invited to choose from plates of chickpea salads to fresh mozzarella and tomato, baked ‘zucchine’ and Moroccan inspired cous cous. It’s an antipasti tradition given a modern makeover. Freni e Frizione is the perfect excuse to indulge in some pre-dinner snacks and whet your hungry appetite, so go and sample some rustic Roman delicacies whilst sipping on a refreshing, well made, cocktail crafted by the talented Roman bar staff. Via del Politeama, 4/6, 00153 Rome, Italy L’Economica In the heart of local San Lorenzo, near the main La Sapienza University, L’Economica is an unassuming and uncomplicated pizzeria. To taste some of the best home-made pizza, San Lorenzo offers tourist-free restaurants and tourist-free prices to leave you both satisfied in stomach and in pocket. Served up in a small restaurant with a mezzanine and tables spilling into the street when it’s warm, there’s plenty of room to sit- providing you don’t mind knocking elbows with your neighbour. The pizza choice is varied and true to its Roman roots where you can choose from simple Margheritas to meat feasts of spiced pork and salsicce (sausage); opt for toppings of heart of artichoke, parmesan shavings with fresh rocket, or even try some deep-fried courgette flowers for a true delicacy. These pizzas are lovingly made in the one-man kitchen of L’Economica, where the restaurant staff are all related in some distant Italian way. Wash your dinner down with some house red and leave feeling pleasantly full. Via Tiburtina, 46 00185 Roma Palazzo del Freddo Giovanni Fassi Fassi, as it’s known locally, is one of the oldest and most famous gelaterias in Rome. Founded in 1880, as it proudly advertises, the shop is 700 square metres with 200 of them dedicated to ice-cream making workspace. The Italians love their gelato so what better way to taste some of the flavours of the Mediterranean tradition than by sampling some heaped scoops to cleanse the palette. Lined with glass cabinets and diner-style tables and chairs, Fassi is a proper old-school ice cream parlour and you can even see the vintage ice cream makers on display as well. Open all hours Fassi caters to only the most knowing of tourists and is a local hot spot serving a mix of unique and classic flavours. From traditional tiramisu and exotic fruits, dark chocolate, hazelnut and even rice, to name but a few, choose your serving style of heaped generous scoops, ‘semifreddo’ or ‘granita’ (sundae-style ice cream). Just south of the main train station Termini, it’s a short walk from Vittorio Emmanuele metro station so if you want to space out your meal and walk off a course or two, Fassi is well worth a visit. Via Principe Eugenio, 65, 00185 Roma Make your trip to Rome that extra bit easier and invest in a OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass. Not only can you visit the top attractions and monumental landmarks for free and with discounted entry, but you can travel round the city with a Travelcard and experience the sites from the comfort of a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. To find out more about how the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass works, click here.
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