The Flavian amphitheatre is more commonly known as the Colosseum, which is a name taken from a statue called the Colossus of Nero, which once stood nearby. The Colosseum stands in the architectural heart of The Eternal City as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Colosseum was built in the 1st century CE by the emperors of the Flavian dynasty to host gladiator games and animal hunts. It’s the largest amphitheatre in the world, making it a true symbol of the power of the Roman Empire. The Colosseum is nearly 2000 years old, making it one of the world’s oldest amphitheatres and a most impressive,  unmissablesite while visiting the historic city of Rome.

A journey through the Colosseum’s history

The eternal symbol of Rome, the Colosseum, tells epic stories of gladiator battles, emperors and grandiose spectacles that entertained Romans for over four centuries. In this article we will explore the fascinating history that surrounds the impressive building and why it continues to amaze and entice millions of visitors every year.

The Colosseum: a gift to the Roman people

The Colosseum is located just east of Palatine Hill on what was the grounds of Emperor Nero’s Golden House. The Emperor Vespasian made the decision to construct the Amphitheatre on the site of the artificial lake, which had been the impressive centrepiece of the palace. It was a symbolic move that aimed to remove the tyrannical emperor’s private lake and replace it with a public space that could hold and entertain thousands of Romans.

Who built the Colosseum?

The Colosseum is a free-standing Amphitheatre contrary to many of that time and made with various materials such as concrete, wood, stone and mortar. Three floors were completed by the time Vespasian died, while the top level was finished by his son, Titus. Further changes were then made by his younger brother Domitian including the hypogeum, a set of tunnels that were used to house animals and slaves. Since then, the Colosseum has undergone many changes throughout the centuries; it was damaged by fire, earthquakes, and wars, yet continues to stand tall in the centre of Rome.

What was the Colosseum used for?

The Colosseum was built to unify Rome after some turbulent years, primarily as an entertainment space for Romans. The epic venue that is the Colosseum was used for all kinds of blood sports, including gladiator battlesand exotic animal hunts. The amphitheatre was also used for public executions and tortures, whereby the public could feel they were part of the justice system. It wasn’t all blood and gore, as they also housed theatre productions, concerts and chariot racing for those with weaker stomachs. The gory games continued until the 6th century until the fall of the Roman Empire, after which it was left to crumble until restoration began in the 17th and 18th centuries.

A visit to the Colosseum

The best time to visit the Colosseum is in the early morning to miss the crowds, and weekdays are often not as busy as weekends. There is also the possibility of taking part in a nighttime tour, which is a fascinating way to explore the building and learn about its dark and varied history. It’s easily reachable by public transport, including by subway, bus or by tram.  While you are visiting the Colosseum you can take the opportunity to see some of the beautiful and famous monuments that are close by. These include the Arch of Constantine, Mamertine Prison, The Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill. 

Transport at Fiumicino airport

At Fiumicino airport you will also find excellent transport connections for travel into Rome. The train station located near the arrivals and departure terminals offer regular connections to Rome making a visit to the Colosseum a breeze. There are also bus services and private transfer services that will take you to the heart of Rome, quickly and stress free.

Shop&Fly at Fiumicino airport

As you prepare to explore the Colosseum remember that your passage through Rome Fiumicino airport can become an opportunity for comfort: with Shop&Fly you can buy everything you need online and collect it on the day of departure. And there's more: take advantage of the 10% discount on your online purchases, not to be combined with other offers, to make your journey even more enjoyable.

One of the most iconic landmarks from the Roman Empire, the Colosseum, set in the heart of The Eternal City, is a beauty to behold and fascinating to visit. As you stroll through the ruins, you can feel the energy of the once thriving entertainment space and take a step back in time to feel the power of the Roman Empire.

Find out more about Shop&Fly