To many, the Colosseum in Rome is probably the most famous landmark in the world. It is truly amazing and incredible that it was built in 8 years. The sheer size of it is remarkable and it easily stands as giant of a structure as a modern-day stadium.
We all know the history of the Roman Colosseum. But we may not know some information about this most famous sight.
The Colosseum's real name is the Flavian Amphitheatre. It later became known as the Colosseum in reference to the colossal statue of Nero that stood just outside of it. There were 80 entrance gates, and the Roman numeral numbers are still apparent above the 80 archways around the perimeter. The Colosseum is so damaged from earthquakes and from people taking the travertine, marble, and other materials to use in other buildings (such as the Vatican, churches, and homes). The term "gladiator" comes from the type of sword they used, called a "gladius." The hallways that led to the seats were known as "vomitoria," and after the games the Colosseum literally "vomited" out the people (and that's supposedly where the word came from).
The wooden floor was covered by sand, which doubled as a way to conceal all the trap doors from which scenery, animals, and other combatants would emerge. And the special sand that absorbed blood so well was known as "arena," which is why we call modern-day stadiums "arenas."
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