"AMPHITHEATRVM-FLAVIVM" or Flavian Amphitheatre is the real name of this structure!
The Emperor Hadrian had a colossal bronze statue of Nero moved to a position by the amphitheatre. The name Colosseum is thought to have been derived from this statue.
We started our tour at the "floor" of the Colosseum. In the beginning, starting 80 A.D., the floor of the arena would be sand. People would be entertained by exotic animals, gladiators and executions on this arena floor.
But what we see now, under the floor, are ruins that appear to be chambers.
During performances, this underground area was the waiting area for the gladiators and the holding area for the caged animals.
With the use of cranes, the animal cages could be lifted up to various areas throughout the arena. The audience would see animals appear suddenly from below, as if by magic!
To me, the engineering genius behind these ancient structures is what is most amazing! Just look at all of the keystone arches in this structure alone! These structures have lasted over 2000 years - even through earthquakes!
