The Roman Coliseum

Our last day in Rome.... Big travel day tomorrow. We leave for the airport at 6:00 am (That's 1 am Eastern time), fly to Amsterdam, then on to Detroit arriving late afternoon

Today was our Roman Coliseum Day.  Our tour started at 10 am and we finished the Coliseum at noon, then headed to the Roman Forum, where the Roman Senate met and was the heart of the city, then on to Palatine Hill where the Emperor's house and gardens were situated. It was a LOT of walking and up and down some very large and steep steps.  This was a very strenuous tour. Our guide was very good and kept us moving while describing the events and background of the structure.  

Some things I learned about the Coliseum and thought would be interesting to pass along:

1. It was not built until after Nero
2. Constructed form 70 AD to 80 AD
3. Used a sand floor to make it easy to clean up the blood.
4. It was only used 10-20 times/year
5. Admission was free (the event was paid for by the sponsor), but tickets were required for seat assignment and entry door
6. It was used as a church in the16th century and contains a memorial to the Martyrs
7. Was in use until the 7th century, then revived in the 15th century
8. One side actually fell down and was rebuilt in the 1800's. 
9. Seating was by class with the VIPs on the lowest level followed by military, then the common people, with men on a lower level than women.
10. Contained public bathrooms on the main floor only so the ladies on level 5 had a long way to go!
11. The loosing gladiator was only killed if the Emperor was present and the meaning of the famous Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down sign has been lost over time.  For example, Thumbs Down could either mean to kill him or to sheath your sword, sparing the looser.

This afternoon has been a relaxing time, organizing for tomorrow's trip home, and getting ready for our last Italian dinner in Rome.

Home tomorrow....  8-(