Roman Colosseum Facts for Kids

A Picture of the Roman Colosseum
  • Name: Roman Colosseum
  • Location: Rome, Italy, Europe
  • Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
  • Built: Between 70 and 80 CE
  • Significance: Gladitor events and architectural abilities of ancient rome
  • Visitors: 6+ million (annually)

26 Roman Colosseum Facts for Kids

  1. The Roman Colosseum, or simply the Colosseum, is an amphitheater built by Ancient Rome.
  2. The Roman Colosseum is also called the Flavian Amphitheater.
  3. The Roman Colosseum is in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, Europe.
  4. The street address for the Roman Colosseum is Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.
  5. The GPS coordinates for the Roman Colosseum are 41°53’14.75”N 12°29’19.29”E.
  6. Roman emperor Vespasian started the construction of the Colosseum in 72 CE.
  7. Roman emperor Titus completed the construction of the Colosseum in 80 CE.
  8. Modifications were made to the Colosseum between 81 and 96 CE by Roman emperor Domitian.
  9. The Roman Colosseum was built using travertine (limestone), volcanic rock (tuff) and brick-faced concrete.
  10. The Roman Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built.
  11. The length of the Roman Colosseum is over 620 feet.
  12. The width of the Roman Colosseum is over 511 feet.
  13. The height of the Roman Colosseum is over 164 feet.
  14. Between 50,000 and 80,000 Roman spectators could fit inside the Colosseum.
  15. An event at the Colosseum usually had an average attendance of 65,000 spectators.
  16. The Roman Colosseum had 80 entrances for spectators to enter and exit the amphitheater.
  17. Spectators were kept safe from the sun and heat with an awning called a velarium. This awning could be pulled over the seating area and provide spectators with shade.
  18. Events were held at the Roman Colosseum for over 500 years.
  19. The Roman Colosseum is most famous for hosting gladiatorial events.
  20. Gladiatorial events were contests involving armed combat between two or more gladiators.
  21. Gladiators were typically slaves, but there were volunteers who fought freely for the glory of Rome.
  22. Gladiators fought each other, exotic animals and criminals.
  23. Underneath the Roman Colosseum were many different rooms and tunnels. This is where gladiators and animals would wait for their turn to fight. There were also 36 trap doors to allow the transport of gladiators and humans from these underground rooms to the arena.
  24. The first games held at the Colosseum lasted for 100 days. They were hosted by Roman emperor Titus and more than 2,000 gladiators were killed during these first games.
  25. It’s said the Roman Colosseum was flooded with water to simulate naval battles. However, there isn’t any evidence that proves simulated naval battles took place at the Colosseum.
  26. It’s estimated over six million tourists visit the Roman Colosseum every year.

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