Ancient Rome's Colosseum held 70 thousand people and was designed so they could all exit in about fifteen minutes. A wooden floor was in the center and served as the stage. It contained trap doors from the passages below and was covered in sand. The Latin word for sand is "arena" and that is origin of the modern word for large open amphitheaters. Photo: Jim Polito
The location of your seat in the Colosseum showed others where you stood in Roman society. Just like today, the closer to the action, the more likely you were wealthy and powerful. Notice the few remaining marble seats in the center of the picture. These would have been for nobles and elites. The nose bleed seats were constructed of wood and were reserved for the poor and slaves.Photo: Jim Polito
This cross was placed in the Colosseum by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and dedicated to all Christian martyrs. Scholars and historians debate the number of Christians who were executed in the Colosseum. Most agree the number is much smaller than previous estimates as Christians were martyred is several locations. The site where the majority were killed was in the nearby Circus Maximus, a chariot racing arena.Photo: Jim Polito
Dr. Federico Pellegrini explains the numerous holes visible on the entire exterior of the Colosseum. These were chiseled out by Barbarians after Rome was sacked. They were seeking the valuable lead inside the joints that held the massive stone blocks together. The Colosseum would later be treated like a quarry for other construction projects by the descendants of ancient Romans.Photo: Jim Polito
The Colosseum is in a constant state of repair and preservation. It truly is a miracle that it still stands all these centuries later for us to experience.Photo: Jim Polito
I am proud to call Dr. Federico Pellegrini my friend and Cugino. Dr. Pellegrini is a world renowned expert of Italian art, history, and culture. He is one of the most sought after guides on the Italian peninsula.Photo: Kathleen Polito