The Colosseum underground
The Colosseum was built between 70 AD. with the emperor Vespasian and 80 AD. with his heir Tito.
It was built on a marshy area and therefore a 15 meter travertine base was created where the drainage systems and service tunnels were created.
Over the years, the Colosseum underwent numerous changes to the initial project. Among these changes, Emperor Domitian ordered the construction of an underground level also known as the hypogeum which was built above the drainage systems.
The Colosseum’s basement consisted of a system of tunnels with two enormous corridors. Slaves moved in these galleries and performed their services without being seen by spectators and without obstructing the shows in the arena. In the basement there were also the beasts and gladiators who prepared themselves before going up to the Arena thanks to the 80 vertical tunnels with direct access to the arena.
The renovations that followed over the years led to the implementation of some cutting-edge systems for that period such as elevators and hydraulic mechanisms.
In the centuries to come, after the end of its use for fighting, the underground was buried until excavations began at the end of the 19th century.
Visit the Colosseum underground
It is possible to book guided tours that allow you to access the underground area of the Colosseum to learn more about the history of the largest Roman amphitheater in the world. The same ticket includes a visit to the arena, the Roman Forum and the Palatine.
