History, Facts and Information about Colosseum Arena
The content of this article provides interesting history, facts and information about Colosseum Arena. The arena measured 287 ft long and 180 ft wide. The Latin word arena means "sand" which was used as the primary surface where gladiators battled, to absorb their blood. The arena was a wooden floor covered with a 15cm layer of sand. The sand was constantly renewed as it was covered with the blood and entrails of slaughtered animals, criminals and gladiators. Description of the Colosseum Arena
The Colosseum arena measured 287 ft long and 180 ft wide (83 metres by 48 metres). The arena was a wooden floor which was covered in sand. There were 36 trap doors in Arena allowing for elaborate special effects. Via these trap doors scenery, gladiators and exotic wild animals would instantly appear in the arena without prior warning. Beneath the Colosseum Arena
The area beneath the Colosseum was called the Hypogeum (meaning underground). The hypogeum consisted of two-level subterranean network of tunnels and 32 animal pens. It had 80 vertical shafts which provided instant access to the arena for animals and scenery. For hoisting the largest animals such as elephants and hippopotamus the Roman engineers created mechanical devices called hegmata which were strong hinged platforms which could also be hoisted up to the arena. Beneath the Colosseum Purpose of the Colosseum Arena
The arena in the Roman Colosseum was used for staging various spectacular and bloody events including gladiator fights, wild animal displays, theatrical entertainment, executions, religious ceremonies, mock sea battles and re-playing famous Roman victories. The Roman engineers structured the arena so it could become flooded to display mock battles, however, just after the Colosseum was built the hypogeum was added which then made this type of entertainment impossible. Water Battles at the Colosseum Colosseum Arena - Safety Measures
The Colosseum Arena was really dangerous. Wild, exotic animals such as lions, tigers and elephants ran loose in the arena and it would have been a monumental disaster if any of the spectators had been killed by accident. The following safety measures were put in place to avoid such disasters Colosseum Arena - The Gate of Life and the Gate of Death
Entry to the Colosseum Arena was made through the Gate of Life called the Porta Sanavivaria. Successful exits following combat was also taken through this gate. Injured gladiators then made their way to the Saniarium was where the wounded gladiators were taken for medical attention. The people and animals, who were killed without mercy in the arena, were dragged out through the Gate of Death which led to the Spoliarium where the corpses of the gladiators were stripped of their armor and weapons. These gates were connected to tunnels which led to buildings outside the Colosseum which formed part of the complex. Colosseum Entrances and Exits
Tunnels under the Colosseum Colosseum Arena
The content of this Colosseum Arena category on life in Ancient Rome provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework. Refer to the Colosseum Sitemap for a comprehensive search on interesting different categories containing the history, facts and information about Ancient Rome. Just like the subject of Colosseum Arena there is hardly a page of Roman history and the Romans that is not, on some way, connected to the Roman Colosseum which became a symbol of Rome, its society, culture and life. Colosseum Arena | 
