Colosseum, Forum and Flavian Palace

Our first tour was of the Colosseum, Forum and Flavius' palace on Palantine Hill.  Our guide was spectacular.  Very energetic and excited about the history of her city.  It was easy to get engaged.  (By the way, here is my disclaimer on statements below.  I am doing this from memory only.  I am not a historian and may have some things confused.  Please, don't quote me on it!!)  :)

We had a stunning morning to visit the Colosseum.  Just a tad on the warm side...

As mentioned previously, much of the ancient buildings are in a state of restoration or they are still being excavated (boggles the mind).  This is the west side where an earthquake brought some of the walls down and concrete is now used for support. 

Since the Colosseum would hold thousands of people, just like today's arenas, the gates were numbered and people were assigned sections to sit in and associated gates to get to and from their seats.

And speaking of seats, they had to be uncomfortable.  The games/entertainment at the Colosseum were all day events and the seats were marble.  Below is a restoration to show an example of them.

Inside the Colosseum showing the Gate of Death.  As the Emperor watched the Gladiators fight, he had the power to save them if he chose to.  Across the arena from the Emperor's box were the Vestal Virgins.  The Emperor would look to them and if he received a thumbs up, the combatants would go through the Gate of Life. 

 Thumbs down they went through the Gate of Death

 Below is the Emperor's box on the North side.  If you squint, in the center of the picture on the stage level, there is cross.  If I remember correctly, the Pope still comes at Easter to perform the Stations of the Cross. 

 

 If nothing else, the Romans were recycle-ers.  The original finish on the Colosseum was a marble white color.  Not the brick and mortar of today.  Once the Colosseum was no longer used, they came through and took out all of the materials which could be uses for other temples, palaces, etc.  They even took the metal supports out of the columns.  This is what give the Colosseum and many other ancient buildings a "Swiss cheese" look.  Amazing any of it is still standing!