So much to learn in Rome

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What’s there to do learn in Rome? How about seeing the Coliseum.

Have fun seeing the Coliseum in Rome and learning about their ancient ways.

There’s so much to see and do in Rome. If you’re wondering what there is to do in Rome you need to go see the Coliseum. Rome is one of the most amazing cities that I’ve ever visited. I’ve not been out much so there’s also that. When we went it was a 3 generation trip. It was so much fun. My mom, my son and I so enjoyed this beautiful and ancient city. We visited the Coliseum and let me tell you it’s an awe inspiring site. To think that at the turn of the last century the homeless slept here and no one was even taking care of this beautiful ancient landmark. Now after years of red tape the Italian fashion industry is restoring this relic. They are painstakingly restoring the Coliseum which is going to be a long process. I was in awe at the floor where there is barely a floor there now and you can see where the Gladiators, carriages and tigers were kept before game time. Like in the picture below!

This is an excerpt first posted from Wikipedia on the Coliseum. Gives background I didn’t know because we didn’t have a tour guide with us. It was $120 for a tour guide for an hour. We passed and figured we’d learn later.

The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium; Italian: Anfiteatro Flavioor Colosseo) is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and stone, it was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. It is the largest amphitheatre in the world.

The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in 70 AD, and was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius).

The Colosseum could hold, it is estimated, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.

Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions and has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit Way of the Cross” procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.

If you’ve ever wanted to know about Rome and you’re curious, my suggestion is GO! See these amazing wonders of the world for yourself! Get a really good book on Italy before you go! Check out my last two posts on How to Go to Rome on the cheap and on the eating food on the cheap in Italy. What site in this world would you most want to see? Leave me a comment.