It was later reused for such purposes as housing, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine. The building stopped being used for entertainment in the early medieval era. This was mainly because it cost too much to maintain the facilities and the procuring of exotic animals. A Roman Colosseum fact many people won’t realise is that there was also more recreational activities like exotic animal exhibitions, painters working on the arena floor and naval re-enactments.Ī Roman Colosseum fact is that the last gladiatorial fight happened in 435 CE and the last animal hunts stopped in 523 CE. Thankfully not all the events that took place were based on violence. Why is The Colosseum So Important The Rose Bowl in Pasadena hosts the game popularly called the Grandaddy of them all. Roughly 9000 animals were slaughtered in the name of entertainment over the years of games. Awnings would have been installed on the top story in order to protect audiences from the strong sun.Ī large number of wild animals, like crocodiles, hippos and tigers were imported in from Africa and the Middle East. The 50,000 spectators would have been seated according to social ranking. These funeral games were paid for by wealthy Roman aristocrats. Ancient Romans believed that human sacrifice at the dead person’s funeral would appease their Gods and ensure a safe and happy entrance into the afterlife. It derives its basic exterior and interior. The concept of the Colosseum grew from the custom of wealthy Romans holding funeral games to honour the dead. Unlike Roman theatres that were built into hillsides, the Colosseum is an entirely free-standing structure. These shows demonstrated power and prestige, and became a big hit with audiences. So what took place in the Colosseum ? When the Colosseum was first opened, Emperor Titus declared a 100 days of celebratory games that included animal fights and gladiatorial combats.

Why is it called the colosseum