Social Studies 9 – Ancient Rome
Fehr-Rose
The Colosseum – Building the Arena of Death
Use the information from the following website to answer the questions below and to learn more
about the Roman Colosseum.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/animations/colosseum/index_embed.shtml
1. How many amphitheatres were in the Roman Empire?
2. What was the other name of the Colosseum during antiquity?
3. On what landmark was the Colosseum built?
4. How did they keep the interior of the Colosseum cool? How do we know this?
5. Where were Gladiatorial games previously held?
6. Why was the Colosseum designed as an ellipse?
7. Which theorem did they use to ensure a good view for as many people as possible?
8. What was the capacity of the Colosseum and how were the spectators sorted?
9. What was the technical term for an individual corridor exit from the seating zone?
10. Where was the pulvinar (the imperial box) located?
11. How tall is the outside of the building, and how many tiers does it have?
12. How many numbered entrances were on the bottom level?
13. Which side of the Colosseum did the performers enter from, and from which side did the dead
bodies leave?
14. Aside from gladiator battles, what other sorts of performances were put on?
15. What is below the arena of the Colosseum?
16. What was contained in the 32 cages, and where did the narrow passages off them lead?