Colosseum
Colosseo · Roma Capitale
ancient Roman amphitheatre, a landmark of Rome, Italy
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:20
Welcome to the shadow of the Flavian Amphitheatre, universally known as the Colosseum—the most iconic and enduring symbol of the Roman Empire's power and architectural genius. This massive elliptical structure was begun in the…
Listen in the app2The Exterior Facade and the Greek Orders1:12
As we walk around the exterior, notice the four levels of arches that once supported the massive weight of the seating tiers. The Romans, while practical engineers, still had a deep respect for Greek aesthetics, which they…
Listen in the app3The Arena Floor and Gladiatorial Combat1:08
Step onto the reconstructed arena floor and feel the scale of the building from the perspective of those who once fought here. The word 'arena' itself comes from the Latin for 'sand,' which was spread thick over a wooden floor to…
Listen in the app4The Hypogeum: The Underground Dungeons1:05
Peer down into the maze of exposed tunnels and rooms beneath the arena; this is the 'Hypogeum,' the subterranean 'backstage' of the Colosseum. This two-level network was tightly restricted and served as the holding area for the…
Listen in the app5Seating and Social Hierarchy1:08
As you look at the tiered seating, you are seeing a physical map of Roman social hierarchy. The seating was strictly arranged by class: the richest citizens and the Emperor had the best seats near the arena floor, while the poor,…
Listen in the app6The Archways and the Flavian Legacy1:14
The Colosseum is a testament to the Flavian dynasty's desire to erase the memory of the eccentric Emperor Nero and return the city to its people. The site itself was formerly the location of Nero's private lake, which the…
Listen in the app7Palatine Hill Viewpoint1:06
To truly appreciate the Colosseum, you should walk up to the nearby Palatine Hill, where the Roman emperors once built their sprawling palaces. From the 'far side balcony' of the hill, you can look down onto the Colosseum and see…
Listen in the app8Colosseum1:11
As you prepare to leave the Colosseum, take a final moment to look at the massive stones and imagine the fifty thousand voices that once filled this air. You have stood where gladiators once prepared for death and where emperors…
Listen in the app9Closing1:11
As you prepare to leave the Colosseum, take a final moment to look at the massive stones and imagine the fifty thousand voices that once filled this air. You have stood where gladiators once prepared for death and where emperors…
Listen in the app
What is Colosseum?
Colosseum is a place in Roma Capitale with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Roma Capitale |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Total length | 10 min 35 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 41.8903, 12.4922 |
| Last updated |
