Colosseum, the ancient Rome’s largest amphitheater and the largest amphitheatre ever built is a historical monument of immense importance. Inaugurated by emperor Titus in 80 CE, it’s here where Emperor Trajan famously celebrated his Dacian victory in 107 CE with 123 straight days of games involving over 11,000 animals and 10,000 gladiators.
Who were the Gladiators?
Gladiators were armed fighters who battled for public entertainment in arenas like the Colosseum, from the 3rd century BCE to the early 5th century CE. They symbolized Rome’s ideals of courage, endurance, and valor.
Gladiatorial combat began as funerary games, inherited from the Etruscans, meant to honor the dead. Over time, these evolved into state-sponsored spectacles, or munera, designed to display Rome’s power, reward loyalty, and distract citizens during political or economic unrest.
Most gladiators were slaves, prisoners of war, or criminals, trained in special schools called ludi gladiatorii under strict discipline. Some were volunteers (auctorati), free men who chose the arena for fame, money, or redemption.
Types of Gladiators
Gladiators were trained in specific fighting styles, each with unique weapons and armor:
- Murmillo – Heavily armed with a crested helmet and large shield.
- Thraex (Thracian) – Fought with a curved sword (sica) and small shield.
- Secutor – Chased the retiarius, armed with sword and large helmet.
- Retiarius – Lightly armed “net-man” with a net, trident, and dagger.
- Samnite – An early type modeled on Rome’s former enemies.
- Bestiarius – Battled wild animals like lions or tigers.
The Colosseum’s arena is where these gladiators faced each other and wild beasts. Today, you can step onto this historic floor and explore the arena firsthand on a guided tour. You’ll get a feel of the scale and drama of the fights while your guide shares fascinating stories from Rome’s most famous amphitheater.
Interesting facts about the Arena in Colosseum
- The central arena measures 83 × 48 meters in an elongated oval shape. Its name comes from the Latin word arena, meaning sand, which covered the floor to absorb blood during fights.
- Up to 36 trap doors allowed animals, scenery, and gladiators to appear dramatically. A network of tunnels and chambers beneath (the hypogeum) housed animals, fighters, and stage machinery.
- Originally made of wood, the floor had removable sections covered with sand and could even be flooded for mock naval battles.
- A 10-foot wall separated the arena from spectators. Seating followed a strict social hierarchy, with the best spots reserved for senators and the elite.
- The Colosseum could hold up to 80,000 spectators which is larger than any other Roman amphitheater.
- Gladiator fights, wild animal hunts, and public executions took place here; over centuries, an estimated 1 million animals and 400,000 people died in the arena. Even Emperor Commodus fought as a gladiator.
- Imperial events were free for Roman citizens, and food was often distributed to spectators during major games.
Top Colosseum Gladiator tour you can take
1. Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum with Exclusive Arena Floor Guided Tour
A standard Colosseum ticket does not include access to the arena. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants a deep understanding of Roman history. It includes an exclusive guided visit to the arena with priority entry, as well as the surrounding Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Plus you get to choose your preferred language for the tour, including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, or German.
2. Colosseum Underground & Arena Floor Guided Tour
Experience the Colosseum like never before with exclusive access to areas off-limits to most visitors. Explore the underground chambers where gladiators and wild animals were kept, and walk through 2,000-year-old tunnels, cages, and lifts that brought the arena to life. The best part is you’ll get to step onto the reconstructed Arena Floor for a gladiator’s-eye view and climb the panoramic tiers to see the Colosseum as ancient spectators once did.
3. Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Access
This guided tour gives you the option to include access to the Arena if you’d like to explore it. Alternatively, you can enjoy a self-paced visit to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum with reserved entry.
4. Colosseum Evening Guided Tour with Arena Access
This special evening tour lets you experience Rome’s most iconic landmark after the crowds have left. With limited slots and seasonal availability, it’s one of the most exclusive ways to see the Colosseum. Step onto the Arena Floor at sunset, explore hidden corners with your expert guide, and then head up Capitoline Hill for breathtaking night views of the Roman Forum and city skyline.
5. Colosseum Arena & Roman Forum Small-Group Guided Tour
Explore the Colosseum on this limited-availability evening tour, designed for small groups of 12 or fewer. You’ll get exclusive access to the Arena Floor and recently uncovered ancient graffiti as your English-speaking guide brings Rome’s history to life.
