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.

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024
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

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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

Make visiting the Eternal City a breeze with the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass. Entry to the Coliseum, St Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel is included, plus visit over 30 extra attractions at a discounted rate.

Not to mention, pass holders can travel Rome’s transport system with a free travel card. That's right, you can use it on all buses, trams, and metro trains in the municipality of Rome. Find out more here.

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St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City
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In the event you get an attack of the late-night munchies that only a Big Mac can satisfy, make for the branch at Termini station, where your burger and fries come with a large side order of Roman history. For inside this otherwise identikit restaurant you can view a section of the Servian Wall that defended the city against invading Carthaginians and Gauls in the 4th Century BC. We're lovin' it. Save on attractions in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with the Vatican and Rome Omnia Pass. Check out @omniavaticanrome on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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