Discover the best way to explore the iconic Rome Colosseum on your own terms with our self-guided tour. Immerse yourself in history and take in the sights at your own pace. Experience the Colosseum like a boss!

Introduction

Hey there, fellow history buffs! Are you ready to take a trip back in time to ancient Rome? Well, buckle up and get ready for our #1 adventure as we explore the city’s most iconic attraction: the Colosseum.

Let’s be real, when we think of Rome, we think of gladiators, chariots, and epic battles. And there’s no better place to experience all of that than at the Colosseum. This iconic amphitheater was the hub of entertainment in ancient Rome. The bloodthirsty spectators cheered on as gladiators and wild animals fought to the death.

Make sure to set aside enough time to see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. These three historic sites are right next to each other and can be explored with a joint ticket. You won’t miss out on all the ancient ruins and fascinating stories that these landmarks have to offer.

So, are you ready to channel your inner Maximus and explore the Colosseum? Let’s do this!

• Explore the whole are of the Colosseum.

Planning Your Tour

Let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of planning your Rome Colosseum Self Guided Tour. You can’t just rock up and expect to saunter on in like Caesar himself. You’ve got to plan ahead, but don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as you might think (unless you’re trying to calculate your conversion rate from dollars to euros on the fly…good luck with that).

First things first, let’s talk about cost.

The basic ticket will set you back €18, and that includes access to the Forum and Palatine Hill (bonus!). If you want the Full Experience (and who doesn’t?), that’ll cost you €24, but it includes access to the arena floor. Some other lesser-known sights in the area (check out the other chapters for deets). If you’re bringing some kiddos along, they’re free (proof of age required).

Should I book Colosseum tickets in advance?

Now, here’s the important part: you have to book your tickets in advance. No on-site sales, folks. And for the Colosseum specifically, you gotta book a specific entrance time (even the kiddos have to). You can do it online at Coopculture.it (click on Ticketing and select English). And don’t wait too long to book because spaces are limited, and you don’t want to miss out on the fun.

If you want to join an official English-language tour (because let’s face it, gladiators are way more interesting when someone is telling you all the gory details), it’s best to book it in advance with your admission, because those tours sell out like hotcakes (or gladiator swords, if you will).

The Colosseum is open daily from 9:00 until one hour before sunset, but the closing time varies depending on the season.

Rome Colosseum Self Guided Tour: Outside

Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the main event! In this Rome Colosseum Self Guided Tour today, we’ll be taking a tour of the legendary Colosseum, the arena where history was made and legends were born.

If you’re taking a Rome Colosseum self-guided tour, the first thing you’ll want to do is take in the exterior of this impressive feat of ancient engineering.

When was the Colosseum built

Built way back in AD 80, the Colosseum is a true testament to Rome’s grandeur at its peak. This amphitheater was where the Romans came to watch gladiator contests and other public spectacles.

It’s hard to believe that something so massive was built over 2,000 years ago. With its four towering stories and an oval footprint that covers six acres, it’s truly a sight to behold. Just imagine what it must have been like to see it in all its glory during ancient times. The Colosseum was a brilliant white, trimmed with brightly painted colors, and even had monumental statues of gods in the arches of the middle two stories.

How many people could the colosseum hold

But what really blows your mind is the fact that this stadium could hold a whopping 50,000 people! That’s a lot of cheering and shouting. And as the fans arrived, they’d be greeted by a huge bronze statue of Emperor Nero, standing a hundred feet tall in all his gleaming glory. Today, you’ll see cypress trees in that spot instead, but the scale of the statue gives you a sense of just how imposing the Colosseum must have been. So, take your time to view the exterior and let your imagination run wild with thoughts of ancient Rome.

What is the architecture of the Colosseum?

The lower three stories of the building are comprised of open arches that are framed by half-columns. The arches are stacked on top of each other, with the columns perfectly aligned to draw the eye upward. Each story forms a horizontal band that wraps around the structure, which gives the Colosseum a combination of horizontal and vertical elements that make it seem rooted to the ground while reaching up to the sky.

What materials was the Colosseum made of?

The Romans were pioneers in the use of concrete and the rounded arch, which allowed them to construct the Colosseum on a grand scale. The exterior of the building is made up of 3.5 million cubic feet of travertine stone, and each of the pillars flanking the ground-level arches weighs a staggering five tons.

Was the Colosseum made of limestone?

Did you know that the impressive Colosseum in Rome is made up of various materials, including travertine limestone, tuff (a type of volcanic rock), and brick-faced concrete? This combination of materials not only gives the Colosseum its unique appearance but also makes it a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.

How did Romans transport materials?

To transport the stone from Tivoli, it took 200 ox-drawn wagons traveling back and forth daily for four years. The builders stacked the stone blocks into the shape of an arch without the use of mortar, temporarily supported by wooden scaffolding. They then inserted a keystone at the top of the arch, which not only prevented the arch from collapsing but also supported additional weight above. Iron pegs held the larger stones together, and small holes on the sides were created by medieval peg poachers. Unfortunately, due to earthquakes and pillaging during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, only one-third of the original Colosseum remains.

The Colosseum’s facade is a testament to the Roman personality. The Romans were engineers more than artists, so they borrowed decorative elements from the Greeks.

What kind of columns does the Colosseum have?

The half-columns that flank the arches, for instance, are ornamental and done in the Greek style, serving no structural purpose. At the ground level, the columns are thick, with simple capitals, while the columns on the next story are thinner, with scroll-shaped capitals. On the third story, you will find leafy capitals, while the top level has a mix of all three styles. These styles are the three “orders” of classical Greek architecture: sturdy Doric, scroll-shaped Ionic, and leafy Corinthian. By blending these sophisticated Greek elements with pragmatic Roman engineering, the builders added an air of refinement to the brutal arena.

Are there multiple colosseums?

Of the roughly 250 amphitheaters in the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was the most significant, famous, and had the best gladiators. Visitors from out of town were awestruck by the colossal structure, the largest they had ever seen. Over time, it acquired a nickname, the Colosseum, perhaps from the “Colossus” of Nero that stood outside or simply because of its colossal size, which was a wonder of its time.

To enter the Colosseum, visitors must line up, show their ticket/QR code, and pass through security.

Rome Colosseum Self Guided Tour: Inside

When visiting the Colosseum, following the official visitors’ route is highly recommended to ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the incredible sights. And if you’re looking for the best views, be sure to take the “long route” which includes the upstairs section.

As you enter the Colosseum, take a moment to imagine what it must have been like for ancient spectators arriving for the games. With 76 numbered entrances, plus the emperor’s private entrance on the north side, fans would have flooded in through the ground-floor. Concession stands sold fast food and souvenirs, including wine glasses with the names of famous gladiators. The hallway leading to the seats was called a vomitorium, and at exit time, the Colosseum would “vomit” out its contents, giving us the English word.

It’s estimated that a capacity crowd could enter and exit in just 15 minutes, a testament to the efficient design of this ancient marvel. So, take your time and soak up the history and grandeur of the Colosseum, and be sure to follow the official visitors’ route to see it all. And don’t forget to capture the amazing views from the top!

Colosseum Arena floor

The oval-shaped arena where the games were held measured 280 feet in length and 165 feet in width. The architects of the Colosseum designed it with a length-to-width ratio that is close to the so-called golden ratio, a proportion that has been considered ideal by artists since the days of the Greek mathematician Pythagoras due to its perceived mystical properties. It is possible that the architects of the Colosseum sought to embody the perfect mathematical order that they believed existed in nature.

Is Colosseum Underground Worth It

Looking down into the arena, one can see the underground passages beneath the playing surface, which can only be visited on a private tour. The original arena was covered with a wooden floor and sprinkled with sand, which is why it is referred to as the “arena” in Latin. A reconstructed portion of the floor provides an accurate sense of the original arena level and the subterranean chambers where animals and prisoners were held. The spectators sat on bleacher seats that ringed the playing area and slanted up from the arena floor, much like modern stadiums.

Materials of the Colosseum

The stadium was built using a variety of materials, including big white travertine blocks that formed the skeleton and brick pillars for the bleachers that were filled in with concrete. Originally, the bare brick was covered with marble columns or ornamental facing, which gave the interior a brilliant white appearance. The upper-floor cheap seats were plastered with white plaster. If you look around, you can see the big brick masses that supported the tiers of seats.

How did seating work at the Colosseum?

The seating arrangements in the Colosseum were strictly segregated according to social status. The front row seats were reserved for the emperor, senators, Vestal Virgins, and VIPs, who sat on marble seats that had their names carved on them. Some of these marble seats have been restored and can be seen at the east end of the Colosseum.

The level above the front row held seats for those of noble birth, while the level that tourists now occupy was reserved for ordinary free Roman citizens known as plebeians. The seats at the very top, located a hundred yards from the action, were once wooden bleachers that were reserved for the poorest people, such as foreigners, slaves, and women.

Why is there no seats in the Colosseum?

Well, well, well… It seems like the Colosseum is a little worse for wear these days. Those wooden and stone seats have either rotted away or been pinched for DIY projects. I guess the ancient Romans weren’t thinking about future tourists when they built the place!

But fear not, my fellow history buffs and gladiator enthusiasts! While you won’t find any cushy chairs to sit on, you’ll still be able to soak up the impressive and awe-inspiring atmosphere of the Colosseum. And hey, if you really can’t stand the thought of standing for hours on end, maybe bring your own folding chair? Or perhaps you could fashion a seat out of some ancient Roman rubble lying around?

Regardless, don’t let the lack of seating deter you from visiting this iconic piece of history. Just be prepared to embrace your inner gladiator and tough it out like they did back in the day. Who needs seats when you’ve got a sword and shield, am I right? Okay, maybe don’t bring those…

What happened to the top half of the Colosseum?

The top level of the Colosseum has mostly been destroyed, with only the north side retaining its high wall. This section was not originally part of the three-story structure, but was added in AD 230 after a fire required repairs. In the past, sailors would stretch an awning across the top of the stadium to provide shade, but it only covered about a third of the arena. As a result, those at the top enjoyed shade, while the nobles below were left to roast in the sun.

What are the tunnels under the Colosseum?

The passageways beneath the arena were a complex web of activity. Gladiators would walk down the central corridor from their warm-up yard on the east side to the arena entrance on the west. Workers tended to wild animals, while others prepared stage sets such as trees or fake buildings, allowing the arena to be transformed quickly from an African jungle to a Greek temple. Props and sets were lifted up to the arena level using 80 different elevator shafts and a system of ropes and pulleys. These small rectangular shafts, particularly near the center of the arena, indicate where the items were hauled up. This means that animals, warriors, and stage sets could appear from 80 different locations and create a magical effect.

Colosseum Games

Ah, the good old days of entertainment, where men fought beasts, beasts fought beasts, and occasionally people were thrown into the mix. The Colosseum was the place to be for all the blood, gore, and creative executions you could handle. The day started off with a warm-up act featuring dogs attacking porcupines and hunters prowling through fake forests. And let’s not forget about the impressive menagerie of beasts from all over the empire, including lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), crocodiles, elephants, rhinos, and hippos. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, workers would hoist an unsuspecting animal up through a trap door into the stadium for some surprise attacks. Good times! But wait, there’s more!

Colosseum Executions

At lunchtime, the real fun began with criminals and POWs being executed in the most creative ways possible. Think naked and unarmed people being thrown to the lions, or dressed up like classical heroes and forced to star in a play featuring their own death. It was like a twisted game of cosplay where the outcome was always death. And let’s not forget about the palate-cleansing gimmicks like a dwarf battling a one-legged man. Who needs real sports when you have that kind of entertainment?

Gladiatorial Games

Finally, the main event arrived in the afternoon – the gladiators. They marched into the arena to the sound of blaring trumpets and pounding drums, pausing to acknowledge the Vestal Virgins sitting in their special box seats (they got season tickets for being chaste, lucky them). After that, it was time to salute the emperor with a shout of “Hail Caesar! We who are about to die salute you!” Then the gladiators went to work with their martial specialties, including swords and shields, javelins, and even fishing nets and tridents. These warriors were usually slaves or criminals looking for fame, wealth, and freedom in the ring. And just like modern sports stars, the best of the best were rewarded with fan clubs, wealth, and product endorsements. It’s almost like the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Gladiator Colosseum

Let’s take a trip back in time to ancient Rome and talk about the infamous gladiatorial games at the Colosseum. Brace yourself, because it was definitely not for the faint of heart.

Picture this: the gladiators would enter the arena, weapons raised and adrenaline pumping, as the crowd of 50,000 screamed around them. The air was thick with excitement and anticipation, but also with the undeniable sense of danger.

Did Gladiators fight to the Death?

If a gladiator fell to the ground, his fate was in the hands of the emperor or sometimes the crowd. They would decide whether to spare his life or condemn him to a gruesome death.

The Colosseum was truly a sight to behold, with its massive size and intricate design. But it was also the site of countless deaths – during its inaugural festival alone, 2,000 men and 9,000 animals lost their lives. That’s one death every five minutes. It’s hard to even fathom the level of violence and bloodshed that must have occurred within those walls.

Why was the Colosseum so important to the Romans?

So why did the Romans subject themselves to this kind of spectacle? Well, it turns out that the gladiatorial games served a dual purpose. Not only were they a form of entertainment, but they also helped to placate and control the masses. Without the ability to see the faraway conquests of their empire, the Colosseum was a way to bring the environments, animals, and people of these conquered lands right before their eyes. It was a reminder of the power and might of the Roman Empire, and of man’s ability to triumph over nature.

But as we look back on this period of history, it’s important to remember the violence and inhumanity that occurred within those walls. The Colosseum may be a marvel of engineering and architecture, but it’s also a symbol of a bygone era – one that we should strive never to repeat.

Can you imagine the adrenaline rush that the gladiators must have felt as they stood in the Colosseum, facing each other and ready to fight to the death? And the crowd, cheering them on and shouting for blood. It’s hard to fathom what that must have been like.

Did Christians fight in the Colosseum?

While we often see depictions of Christians being thrown to the lions in movies, it’s not entirely clear if it happened specifically in the Colosseum. What we do know is that many different kinds of people were subjected to brutal treatment here – from prisoners of war to criminals to enslaved people and beyond.

It’s amazing to think that this incredible structure was built nearly 2,000 years ago, and yet it still stands today as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Romans. And the views from up top are truly breathtaking – whether you opt for the Full Experience ticket or not.

So climb those stairs to the upper level and take in the beauty and history of the Colosseum from a new perspective. And don’t forget to check out the WC on the way – even in ancient Rome, everyone needed a bathroom break!

When did Colosseum stop being used?

The advent of Christianity in Rome resulted in a change of perspective on the Colosseum and its gruesome games, leading to the eventual recognition of their barbaric nature. Although there were sporadic gladiator contests held at the Colosseum even after Christianity’s arrival, they were eventually banned in AD 435. However, animal hunts continued for a few more decades. As the Roman Empire deteriorated and the infrastructure crumbled, the Colosseum itself was neglected, eventually leading to the killing of the last animal in AD 523 after almost five centuries of games, followed by the closure of the Colosseum.

What was the Colosseum used for after it had been abandoned?

For the next one thousand years, the Colosseum was occupied by various squatters, as evident in the permanent exhibit on the Colosseum’s upper level. The structure was repurposed into makeshift apartments, shops, a church, a cemetery, and even a shelter during riots and invasions. With time, the Colosseum was damaged by elements such as wind, rain, gravity, and earthquakes, with a significant earthquake in 1349 causing the collapse of the south side.

Was the Colosseum used as a quarry?

Ultimately, the citizens of Rome themselves contributed to the dismantling of the Colosseum by removing pre-cut stones, which were then repurposed in the construction of palaces and churches, including St. Peter’s. The marble facing was pulverized into mortar, while 300 tons of iron brackets were removed and melted down, resulting in the pockmarks visible today.

After centuries of neglect, a group of popes in the 16th century took pity on the pagan structure. They used bricks to reinforce the south and west sides of the Colosseum and erected a large cross on the north side of the arena, dedicated to the memory of Christians who may have been martyred there.

Why is the Colosseum a legacy?

Today, the Colosseum serves as a link between Rome’s illustrious past and its vibrant present. It is the site of significant political demonstrations that provide protesters with an iconic backdrop for TV cameras. On Good Friday, the pope leads pilgrims as they follow the Stations of the Cross.

According to legend, as long as the Colosseum stands, so too shall the city of Rome. The Colosseum has remained a symbol of Rome, the Eternal City, for nearly 2000 years.

To exit the Colosseum, one can take the stairs downwards and find the exit along the south side, with other remarkable ancient Roman sites in close proximity. The Roman Forum is a mere 100 yards to the right of the arch and can be accessed through the entrance across from the Colosseum, the entrance on Via dei Fori Imperiali, or the entrance along Via di San Gregorio as indicated on the map.

If you’re eager to visit the Colosseum, stay tuned for the next blog post.

About This Self Guided Tour

Rome Colosseum Self Guided Tour is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the magnificence of this ancient amphitheater. From the flexibility to move at your own pace to the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Colosseum in your own way, the benefits of a self-guided tour are undeniable.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Rome, I encourage you to give a self-guided tour of the Colosseum a try. It’s an experience that you won’t soon forget, and you’ll have the freedom to explore this iconic landmark in a way that suits you best. Plus, being your own tour guide is a great way to travel like a boss, don’t you think?

Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your self-guided tour of the Rome Colosseum and any tips or insights you may have for fellow travelers. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your guidebook, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the Colosseum like a pro!

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