Only the memory remains of the gilt Colossus of Nero, at 120ft the biggest bronze statue ever made, transported here by 24 elephants from the vestibule of the Golden House after Nero’s death. It was renamed after the sun god, and its head often changed to match that of the reigning emperor, but what in the end became of this glowering golden giant is a Roman mystery. It did, however, lend its name to the neighboring amphitheatre, which has come down to posterity as the Colosseum. When Nero committed suicide in AD 68, his outrageously opulent house Domus Aurea, where he held orgies and decadent garden parties, was demolished. The lake was drained, and its place Emperor Vespasian built the Colosseum. The majestic amphitheatre seated at least 55,000 people, who entered and exited through 80 arched entrances. Inside corridors allowed rapid access to the seating areas. This architectural plan has formed the basis for amphitheatres and sports arenas to this day. All modern stadiums have copied its general plan, and all have envied the unique adaptable canopy that once covered the stands, shielding the crowds from the baking sun. Blood sport was the hallmark of the Colosseum, with the combatants any combination of professionally trained gladiators (who were slaves, condemned criminals, and prisoners of war), untrained
unfortunates, and wild animals fighting one another to the death. While entry to the gory shows was free, the spectators were separated by social class and sex. The central box with front-row seats was reserved for emperor and senators; priests and magistrates had next tier up, and above them were foreign diplomats. Women were relegated to the top floor, except for the Vestal Virgin, who had front-row seating alongside the emperor. Wild animal fights were finally abolished in AD 523.
Right across from the Colosseum, on the eastern side, you can see ruins of the Ludus Magnus, an imposing quadrangle with a smaller amphitheatre inside. The gladiators trained here, and some of the emperors used it to put on private shows.
