Discover the astonishing Ancient Colosseum in Rome and explore around this 2000 year old structure. Imagine where gladiators and exotic animals once fought, crowds cheered and Emperors decided the fate of fighters!
We’ll learn about the Roman Colosseum, from its ancient origins to its legacy through the Roman Empire, Middle Ages and its place in Italy today. Completed in 80 AD, this was the largest amphitheatre of its kind at the time.
On this private tour narrated by a historian, we'll wander around the Colosseum and discover the history of Ancient Roman politic, the Vestal Virgins, and the odd naval battle. This is a perfect walk for any historical trip to Rome.
Start outside the Colosseum, next to the metro station, and take in the glory of this penominal structure! Get a closer look at the Colosseum’s architecture, the ground floor columns were done in the Tuscan style, a Roman variation on the austere Greek Doric style. Then the second floor featured slightly more elaborate Ionic columns and the third floor had a more intricate and decorated Corinthian style. Learn about the use of arches, concretes and columns.
Learn about the ancient origins of the Colosseum. When the Colosseum did open, it was named the Flavian Amphitheatre. However, back then, people nicknamed Nero’s statue the Colossus due to its colossal size. Over time, that nickname eventually became attached to the Amphitheatre, and the Flavian Amphitheatre became known as The Colosseum!
Head into the ancient structure and imagine the sound of fifty thousand people cheering with joy, shouting for blood and delighting in animals never seen in Rome before. The emperor took up a very visible and prominent position which was located on the podium at the centre of the arena on the north side.
Get an amazing view of the Colosseum’s structure and hear about ancient art and graffiti. The Colosseum was covered in marble depicting hunting scenes, vegetation carvings and wild animals. At the top of the Colosseum, great pillars stood tall and one of them was even found to depict the head of the Gorgon Medusa.
Enjoy a day at the games and hear what an event at the Colosseum would have been like. Learn how Gladiators would have been armed according to their categories which included Murmillo, Thraxes, Retiarius and. The emperor Commodus maybe even fought in the arena, styling himself after the Greek hero Hercules.
Learn about the four staged ship battles, known as naumachia occurred in Ancient Rome, but only two were inside the Colosseum. Emperor Titus ordered the new Colosseum to be flooded and used special flat-bottomed ships during the battle to accommodate for the shallow water. The event replicated the battle between Athens and Syracuse and there was even an artificial island made in the middle of the arena, where the sailors landed and continued the fights.
Visit the Vestal balcony, where the Vestal Virgins would have watched the games from. These Priestesses had to serve until 40, after which they are released and their life begins. While serving, they performed a variety of religious tasks and rituals which included taking part in at least nine separate public ceremonies throughout the year.
Finish the tour at a Christian Shrine and discover the legacy of Rome’s Colosseum. Today the Colosseum has actually become a symbol against capital punishment and a gesture of goodwill. Despite all the blood and death that occurred here back in Ancient Rome, it’s now a symbol of peace.
The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.
Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & your tour to explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!
Audio: English