Visit colosseum early morning

How many times have we walked in front of the Colosseum without paying attention to one of the most impressive building in the world?
It is one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in ancient history.

The Colosseum was started by the Flavian emperor Vespasian around AD 72 and completed by his son Titus in AD 80.

Its construction followed a difficult period for Rome. During the reign of Emperor Nero, the city suffered a devastating fire in AD 64, which caused a major political and social crisis.

Before becoming emperor, Vespasian was sent to Judea to suppress a revolt against Roman rule. The revolt ended in AD 70 with the capture of Jerusalem by the Roman army, led by Titus. According to the historian Flavius Josephus, the Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed during the fighting, not by prior intention.

After the revolt was crushed, the Romans brought tens of thousands of Jewish prisoners to Rome, along with great wealth and sacred objects, including the golden menorah from the Temple. The spoils of this victory helped finance the construction of the Colosseum, which became a symbol of Roman power and imperial propagand

This was a crucial moment for the Roman Empire.
After years of instability, Emperor Nero committed suicide in AD 68, following the murder of his own mother and wife. With his death, the Julio-Claudian dynasty came to an end for the first time since the founding of the Empire.

After a period of civil war, the Senate proclaimed Vespasian of the Flavian family emperor of Rome.

One of Vespasian’s first major decisions was to return the land taken by Nero for his private palace, the Domus Aurea, back to the Roman people. Instead of a symbol of excess and tyranny, Vespasian chose to give Rome a public monument.

As a way to thank the Roman people for supporting his rule, he ordered the construction of the Flavian Amphitheater, known today as the Colosseum.

Construction began in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80, taking only eight years—an extraordinary achievement for ancient engineering. Sadly, Vespasian died in AD 79 and never saw the monument finished. The Colosseum was inaugurated by his son Titus, becoming the most impressive monument of ancient Rome and a lasting symbol of imperial power.

Visiting the Colosseum

To fully understand its history, it’s best to book a guided tour with a fast-track ticket, which allows you to skip long lines.
Tickets should be purchased only through the official Colosseum website.

If you prefer buying tickets in person, arrive around 8:00 a.m. and queue either at:
• the Colosseum entrance, or
• the Roman Forum entrance, on the opposite side from the Colosseum.

Eden Walks – Content created by
Alfredo Noya