In the 1990s, a section of the arena floor was reconstructed, giving visitors a better idea of what the Colosseum must have looked like. It was made of wood and covered with a layer of sand to absorb the blood that was shed by the gladiators, animals, and criminals.Īfter centuries of use, the floor was removed in the 6th century, announcing the end of the gladiator battles. The arena floor ( arena means “sand” in Latin) is where all the action took place. On occasion, the emperor would enjoy pulling pranks on the gladiators by using the trap door system to surprise them with a less-than-ferocious animal, such as a chicken! The most popular were the gladiator games. The inauguration games were held to celebrate the completion of the Flavian Amphitheatre and lasted over a hundred consecutive days of lavish games and all forms of entertainment. Further modifications were later made during the reign of Domitian (81-96 AD). In 72 AD, construction for what would later be known as the world’s greatest amphitheater began during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and was completed by his son and successor, Titus, in 80 AD.
