The colosseum seated between 45,00 - 55,000 spectators. Obviously, the original seats are eroded and so these have been reconstucted to who how they would have appeared.
The floor of the colosseum was constructed of wood and covered with sand. Only a small portion of the original floor is still visible.
Underneath the floor was an area called the hypogeum. This was an elaborate structure of underground tunnels, rooms and cages where wild animals, gladiators and people who would become dispensable were held until it was their turn to be brought up to the arena floor by means of pulleys and major hydrolic mechanisms. This was particularly interesting and sobering as we reflected on what transpired first of all, in the subterranean rooms, as well as what took place on the arena floor. It was always a place of blood, terror and death - inevitably,a fight to the finish for man and beast. We had difficulty tearing ourselves away from this site. Our imaginations and our hearts were stirred.
This is the Arch of Constantine which stands right beside the Colosseum. It was through this arch of triumph that Constantine rode after he defeated Maxentius in a crucial battle and became the sole emperor of Rome in 312AD. He legalized Christianity after he gained power. Prior to 300AD you could be killed for being a Christian. After that you could be killed for NOT being a Christian.
The colosseum seated between 45,00 - 55,000 spectators. Obviously, the original seats are eroded and so these have been reconstucted to who how they would have appeared.
The floor of the colosseum was constructed of wood and covered with sand. Only a small portion of the original floor is still visible. 
Underneath the floor was an area called the hypogeum. This was an elaborate structure of underground tunnels, rooms and cages where wild animals, gladiators and people who would become dispensable were held until it was their turn to be brought up to the arena floor by means of pulleys and major hydrolic mechanisms. This was particularly interesting and sobering as we reflected on what transpired first of all, in the subterranean rooms, as well as what took place on the arena floor. It was always a place of blood, terror and death - inevitably,a fight to the finish for man and beast. We had difficulty tearing ourselves away from this site. Our imaginations and our hearts were stirred.
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