MythologyCrafts.com Builds The LEGO Colosseum
If you are interested in history, legends and myths few things are more iconic than the Roman Colosseum. At the end of 2020, Lego released its largest set yet–the Colosseum. Want to see how this mega set fits together AND learn a little about the building along way? Check out our video and keep reading for some hidden history of the Colossuem.
The HIDDEN HISTORY of the Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum is almost 2000 years old. It was officially opened in 80 AD, but construction started in 72 AD under Emperor Vespasian. Sadly Vespasian died by the time the Colosseum was finally ready, so his son Emperor Titus held the first games in the amphitheater.
Fun Fact One: The Hypogeum
When many people think of the Colosseum they think of wild beasts, gladiator battles and the roar of the Roman crowd. But underneath the sandy floor of the building was the hypogeum, a complex underground world making it all work. There were more than 60 hidden trap doors in the floor of the Colosseum that were used to lift scenery and wild animals into stage. Spectators describe beasts appearing out of nowhere during the games. This tactic kept gladiators on their toes because they never knew where the next opponent (man or beast) might come from.
Fun Fact Two: THe VENTIO
If you attended the ludi (the games), the morning events called the ventio would be the wild beast hunt. This was the bloodiest portion of the games. When the Colosseum first opened almost 9,000 animals were killed in the ludi that lasted about 100 days. Over the years, so many animals were hunted by the Romans for their shows that hippos were no longer found in the Egyptian Nile.
FUN FACT THREE: ANIMALS OF THE COLOSSEUM
Romans loved to see exotic wild animals. But, sometimes the animals were not so happy to be in the Colosseum. The famous Roman, Cicero reported that once a lion killed almost 200 men before it was finally put down. History also tells us that 18 elephants attempted to escape from the Colosseum and trampled a few spectators before being killed with darts. Often the crowd objected to killing elephants. They were sometimes trained to dance and bow like in the modern circus. As a result, Romans thought they were pretty smart and might boo when they were killed.
Fun Fact Four: Too Hot To Handle
Rome can get pretty hot during the summer and sitting in the stands of the Colosseum with the sun beating down you sounds pretty uncomfortable. Those smart Roman engineers knew how to fix that. They added a giant canvas tarp that could be extended over the seats. It was called the velarium and modern day engineers don’t know exactly how it worked. Many suspect is was unfurled like a ship’s sail. In addition, to providing shade, it also created a updraft so spectators might enjoy a light breeze as well.
