SpanishWhat lies inside the Colosseum Underground?
The Colosseum is a symbol of Rome, famous around the world for its distinctive appeal and history. It served as the official site for relaxation and leisure in ancient Rome, as well as the headquarters for all games.
The Colosseum, located in the middle of the city of Rome, is the world’s biggest amphitheater and one of the seven wonders of the world. But there was another world beneath the wooden Colosseum floor, which hosted countless gladiatorial spectacles and animal hunts. Let’s find out what lies beneath the Colosseum.
THE HYPOGEUM
The Hypogeum, which is located inside the Colosseum underground, is separated into two levels and consists of a number of interconnecting corridors and tunnels that flow into and out of the Colosseum. This underground space was a swarm of activity during performances, serving as both a waiting area for the gladiators before they went out to the stage and a holding area for the caged animals.
It was also swarming with people participating in the performances, who were hard at work, changing scenery, herding animals, and bringing the gladiators to the arena. Extensive staging and sets were necessary for many of the animal hunt performances, which featured big and dangerous creatures such as elephants, giraffes, lions, and panthers (to name a few), many of which had been transported from Africa and the Middle East. These big pieces of stage scenery had to be created and moved around for the numerous shows at the amphitheater.
ELEVATORS MADE FROM WOOD
There were lots of wooden elevators buried beneath the massive amphitheater to move the gladiators, animals, and scenery up to the big stage area and back down. The complex of tunnels, hallways, and elevators skillfully disguised beneath the Colosseum was an outstanding achievement of construction.
TUNNELS
There additionally existed separate tunnels for the Emperor and Vestal Virgins to get into and out of the Colosseum, allowing them to avoid mixing with the other spectators. The tiles in the tunnels they used were unique and intricately decorated. Their tunnels took them directly to Celio’s imperial apartments.
ENTRANCES TO MONUMENTS
Beyond the underground passages, there were two massive entrances marked by two gigantic arches, through which the gladiators entered the stadium for the games. Emperor Domitian authorized the construction of this remarkable underground chamber, which was not included in the original Colosseum design.
The Colosseum now accommodates people and is one of the globe’s greatest tourist sites, greeting both tourists and locals from all over the world, with more than six million people going through the Colosseum arches every year.
By booking a Colosseum tour, or getting a Colosseum ticket, you gain exclusive access to various parts of the Colosseum, including the main area, the basement, and the top third tier. This comprehensive experience allows you to delve into the rich history of the Colosseum and explore its hidden underground section. Tours in Rome offers a diverse range of captivating Colosseum tours, providing you with a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient wonders and transport you back in time.
