The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the Senate, it's the sand of the Colosseum.—Senator Gracchus, Gladiator
The Colosseum was a massive arena in ancient Rome. It was the site of many battles between gladiators.
History[]
The Colosseum was the site of many epic spectacles.
Following the secret coup of Commodus, in which he killed his father Marcus Aurelius and assumed his role as Emperor, he declared 150 days of games held at the Colosseum. Though some were skeptical that this would really sway the people, Senator Gracchus was of the opinion that the crowds would love the death that Commodus presented to them. This was as opposed to his father, who had shut down the Colosseum five years previously.
The Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius was sold into slavery and forced to compete in the gladiatorial games. Speaking of the Colosseum to Maximus, slave-owner Antonius Proximo told him that he should see it, that 50,000 Romans watched the every move of your sword.
Tigris of Gaul was the only undefeated champion of the Colosseum, prior to his defeat by Maximus, who chose to spare his life, earning him the title "Maximus the Merciful."
Following the defeat of Commodus, the Colosseum once again fell briefly into disuse. However, such spectacles were once again favored by the twin emperors Caracalla and Geta who rose to power in the vacuum that followed. They declared games in honor of General Marcus Acacius following his conquest of Numidia. Among the new gladiators at these games was Lucius Verus, secretly the son of Empress Lucilla and Maximus, who had been sent away to Numidia for his own safety.
External link[]
- Colosseum on Wikipedia