The Colosseum is the symbol of the capital. Do you know all its secrets?
1. The Coliseum does not exist!
But how is that possible? Actually the real name of this ancient building is Flavian Amphitheatre or Flavian Amphitheatre. The name Colosseum is only a nickname given to this arena in the Middle Ages thanks to the colossal statue of Nero near the site.
2. It was built on the bottom of a lake.
Exactly, it was built on the bottom of an artificial lake that had been drained after the death of Nero.
3. The Colosseum was built by 100,000 Jewish slaves.
They were taken to Rome after the liberation of Jerusalem around 70 AD. The ancient building was built only in 8 years!
4. The Colosseum was a quarry.
Among the many functions of the Colosseum there was also that of being a quarry. Only in 1749 did Pope Benedict XIV prohibit the use of the Colosseum as a quarry.
5. The word Arena comes from Latin
Yes, arena means sand in Latin. In fact, the main stadium floor was covered with a layer of sand to absorb the blood.
6. Wool Factory
In 1500 Pope Sixtus V wanted to transform the Colosseum into a wool factory, but his plans died with him.