Why is it called the Colosseum? The name Colosseum became widespread in the Middle Ages and is likely due to the enormous ("colossal") bronze statue of Nero that then stood nearby.

What is the Colosseum's other name? Flavian Amphitheater. So called because it was built by the emperors of the Flavian dynasty. Vespasian began construction in 72 AD, and Titus (his son) inaugurated it in 80.

How big was the Colosseum? The Colosseum is oval in shape, with axes measuring approximately 187 x 156 m, while the arena, also oval in shape, measures 86 x 54 m. It has an external perimeter of 527 m and reaches a height of 48 m (originally 52 m).

How many spectators could the Colosseum accommodate? The Colosseum could accommodate over 50,000 people.

How much did a ticket cost to attend performances in the Colosseum? Entrance to the Colosseum was free for everyone, but seating was reserved for different categories of spectators, the rank of which decreased with increasing height. Thus, the lower sector, closest to the arena, was reserved for senators and their families, while the plebs could only sit on the top floor, with standing room only. The emperor sat on the Pulvinar, a stage located at the center of the arena's long axis.

Is it true that there is a church inside the Colosseum? Yes. In one of its large arches, the 24th arch to be precise, there is a small chapel dedicated to Santa Maria della Pietà. The church was founded between the 6th and 7th centuries but was already a sacred shrine during the time of Pope Paul IV (1555-1559). Today, Holy Mass is celebrated in the small church on Saturdays at 4:00 PM and on Sundays at 10:30 AM.

How many statues adorned the Colosseum? Considering that each arch of the second and third tier had a statue, there must have been approximately 156 statues in total, depicting heroes, gods, and demigods.

What does the plaque on the Colosseum mean, with the cross and the inscription PIVS IX PONT MAX? The plaque commemorates the 1852 restoration commissioned by Pope Blessed Pius IX and recalls several stages of what appears to be a process of transformation of the Colosseum from a place linked to pagan Rome to a place of Christian Rome, recalling the consecration of the place to the Holy Christian Martyrs which took place in 1675 by will of Pope Clement X and the restoration which took place in 1750 by will of Pope Benedict XIV