When you enter the Colosseum, the vast Cavea, a tiered sitting area accommodating 80,000 spectators, instantly draws your attention. The Cavea depicts the hierarchy of Roman society with three tiers: Ima Cavea, Media Cavea, and Summa Cavea. Gladiatorial combats took place in the arena, formerly a timber platform but now a sandy plain.
The hypogeum’s many tunnels and mechanisms illustrate the intricacy that exists under the surface. Structures such as arcades and vaults supported the massive arena. At the same time, Spolia and graffiti provided insights into Rome’s extensive empire and daily life.
All About the Interior Elements
Stepping inside finds a perfectly built chamber that was once alive with the excitement of gladiatorial fighting, public entertainment, and even religious events. Dig into the fundamental aspects that created the Colosseum’s interior, demonstrating Roman innovation and social stratification.
The Cavea
When you enter the Colosseum, the first thing that strikes you is the huge Cavea, a tiered sitting area that could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 people. The Cavea was methodically separated into three layers, each representing the social structure of Roman society.
Ima Cavea (Lowest Tier)
Reserved for senators, magistrates, and other dignitaries, the Ima Cavea gave the closest and most prestigious seats. It was decorated with marble and couches, providing comfort for the wealthy.
Media Cavea (Middle Tier):
Roman citizens, knights, and merchants occupied the Media Cavea, which gave a fine view of the arena. Their enthusiasm would certainly be apparent here, as they were the main audience for the gladiatorial games.
Summa Cavea (Top Tier):
The uppermost tier, Summa Cavea, was reserved for common people. These seats were farthest from the action but provided a panoramic view of the arena.
These layers were further split by vomitoria (exits), which were carefully located to allow the crowd to evacuate quickly in an emergency. The complicated network of tunnels provided a steady flow of people, reducing overcrowding and dangerous stampedes.
Exits Disguised as Entrances
Standing on the highest deck, check for the arched openings around the Cavea. As the word vomitoria implies, these are not entrances but deliberately situated exits. These strategically positioned exits during big crowds allowed for a swift and orderly evacuation.
The Maenianum
You will discover a sequence of closed parts within the Cavea as you look outwards. These are the Maenianum, or private loggias intended for dignitaries and authorities. Cushioned seats gave the wealthy a more pleasant viewing experience, while ornate canopies kept the elements out.
The Arena
The arena, or middle open space, stands in sharp contrast to the bright levels above. It now has a sandy surface, but it was formerly a sophisticated timber platform known as the arena floor. The stadium hosted a variety of gladiatorial combats, staged wars, animal hunts, and even religious rites. The arena’s vastness, about 80 by 180 meters, allowed for spectacular exhibitions of skill, power, and savagery.
Underground: A Hidden City Beneath the Arena
Return to the arena level, where concealed trap doors provide a view of the Colosseum’s underground network, known as the subterranean. During the games, a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms came alive. Within these tunnels, complex water systems kept spectators and performers hydrated.
Evidence reveals that elevators, driven by ropes and pulleys, meticulously moved animals, gladiators, and even complex stage sets onto the arena floor, resulting in spectacular entrances and exits that stoked public enthusiasm. Walking inside these tunnels gives you a feel of the elaborate planning and enormous personnel necessary to stage the Colosseum’s shows.
Explore the hidden city and interior of the Colosseum with access to the Underground and Arena.
The Supporting Structures
The awe-inspiring interior of the Colosseum is more than just seating and open views. A network of sophisticated support mechanisms supported the Cavea’s massive weight and ensured the games ran smoothly.
Arcades and Vaults
Instead of building the Cavea directly on the ground, a system of arcades and vaults served as the foundation. These arches dispersed the weight equally among the levels, preventing the building from collapsing.
Wall System
The Colosseum’s external wall, made of tuff, travertine limestone, and volcanic rock, supplied structural support. Parallel to the outside, an inside wall system was also installed, strengthening the structure further.
Wooden Beams
While no longer present, the Colosseum’s retractable roof (velarium) was once supported by a complicated system of wooden beams. The fabric roof provided shade from the sun and rain for the spectators.
Spolia
Look attentively at the surviving pieces of the Colosseum’s walls to see a variety of colored stones and marble. These are not remnants of the ancient building, but Spolia taken from conquered lands and placed into the Colosseum to demonstrate Roman strength and luxury. Learn about how these resources traveled from faraway countries to the center of the Roman empire, demonstrating Rome’s great reach and influence with the Arena guided tour.
Graffiti
Throughout the decades, viewers have scratched countless messages into the Cavea’s stone surfaces. These graffiti, known as tituli picti, provide an intriguing look into the life of regular Romans. You can see a love lyric written by a captivated lover or a humorous remark on the day’s events. These etchings bring the Colosseum to life, converting it from a chilly monument into a theater for daily Roman experiences.
Vacatis Tips for Visiting Colosseum Interior
- A guided tour will help you learn more about the Colosseum’s history and significance.
- Visit the Colosseum’s several levels, including the subterranean hypogeum and the top tiers, to gain new viewpoints and insights into its construction and function.
- Look for tours that include access to restricted locations such as the underground tunnels, arena floor, and higher tiers, since they provide a more complete experience.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is greatest for pictures.
- Occasionally, the Colosseum organizes temporary exhibitions that give further information about Roman history and culture. Check the schedule before you go.
FAQs
1. How did the Colosseum accommodate naval battles?
Canals were used to flood the Colosseum floor, allowing for staged naval engagements. Although shallow, unique flat-bottomed ships imitated genuine vessels, providing a beautiful display despite their limits.
2. What were the seating areas called?
The Colosseum’s seating zones had various titles depending on the seating arrangement. Ima Cavea is close to the stage. The Media Cavea was the middle part, and the Summa Cavea was the top seat.
3. Who were the gladiators?
Rome’s gladiators were professional warriors. The majority were enslaved people or criminals compelled to fight for their freedom or existence. Some were even free citizens seeking fame and money.
4. What purpose did the sand serve in the arena?
The sand absorbed blood, urine, and sweat, giving gladiators greater footing and decreasing the stink under the hot Roman sun.
5. How did the Colosseum manage crowd control?
The Colosseum had 80 ground-level entrances, known as vomitoria, that allowed visitors to enter and depart swiftly and effectively.
Featured Image: Theguardian.com