Originally named Flavian Amphitheatre after the Flavian Emperors, the Colosseum gained its iconic title from the colossal statue nearby, the Colossus of Nero. Built in a remarkable 8 years, it was inaugurated by emperor Titus in year 80 AD with 100 days of lavish games.
The Arena
During its first 2 years the colosseum was probably flooded, transforming the stage into a lake for mock naval battles. Emperor Domitian later built underground galleries equipped with 28 elevators to bring wild animals on stage as it is shown in the movie "the Gladiator". These subterranean areas were topped with a wooden platform covered in sand, from which arena finds its origin in latin. Todays stadiums called arenas are still inspired by roman amphitheathres. Amfi means double, theatre was the typical halfmoon-shaped construction from ancient Greece.
The animal huntings
In the Colosseum's morning hours, the arena came alive with animal hunts featuring creatures from Africa and Asia - lions, tigers, panthers, bears and more. The gladiatorial spectacles took place in the afternoons. These games were a public spectacle, offered at no cost. The emperor's propaganda was to offer free bread and entertainment, famously known as "panem et circensis" in latin.
The gladiators
The gladiators, akin to modern-day sport stars in soccer, football and basketball gained widespread fame even if they were for the most slaves and war prisoners. The term gladiator originates from "gladius", the short sword they wielded.
