Whenever I hear someone refer to the Colosseum in Rome, I immediately think of gladiators--well, actually one gladiator in particular, Russell Crowe, who starred in The Gladiators. He was a fictional character, for sure, but he somehow captured the over the top kind of hero who participated in games and shows that were put on for the Roman people thousands of years ago.
The Colosseo, the Italian name, is so much more than gladiators, but try telling that to Theo. He comes to Italy ready, willing, and able to be a gladiator.
"Theo," I explain, "forget about being a gladiator. Just look around. This ruin is the place to be back in the day. We're talking 70 AD when it's built by an Emperor for the Roman people. It takes 10 years to build. When it opens, the Colosseum features 100 days of games, wild animal fights, and, of course, gladiatorial combat, and in the beginning--even naval battles. For four centuries it's like our Madison Square Garden. By the 18th century, it falls into disrepair and is scavenged by those same Roman people for building materials. About one third of it remains today. But, still, it is glorious. And big. That's why we're here. To be a part of history."
Dan has to hold Theo, or he will be trampled by all the tourists. First, we walk, like sardines in a can, through the large hall that the Romans would have entered to reach the arena. There are then smaller hallways that lead to the center arena. This is what we want to see. This is what Theo wants to see.
I take a video, attempting to capture what the arena looks like in all its massive wonder. You can see where the people would have sat. You can see the arena, which is now missing a floor, but without a floor, you can see below to the lower level.
The gladiators, the wild animals, and all the accoutrements that made the show the SHOW, came in from the ground level and were brought up using freight elevators using a complex system of winches. You can also see the large arches, some still there, which was the entrance way for the crowds:
Admission was free. Spectators, according to social class, came through 76 arches, labeled with red numbers. Today you can still see number 29. The seats in the arena were arranged in a strict order--the best ones, close to the arena, were reserved for the senators. The worst ones had a poor view and were hard to get to:
I point to the very top. "That's where you would have sat, Theo."
Theo shakes his head. He sees himself in the center arena. He sees himself as a gladiator. Sword in paw. Fighting the good fight. The crowd cheering. He sees himself as being victorious and, perhaps, being recognized by the Emperor. Given special snacks. And a nice comfy bed to sleep on at night. He sees himself as being the most famous gladiator in the world.
Theo's eyes have glazed over. I know he's imagining himself there.
"Snap out of it." I shake him, and he comes back to reality. "The truth is--you'll never be as famous as Russell Crowe."
Cats can't frown, but they can give the evil eye. Theo's not ready to give up his dream, yet. We saunter around the Colosseum, go through the smaller arches and get closer to the main arena.
There is a lot more to see. Most people see the Colosseum as just an arena, but the place was also an open air market. It sold food and all kinds of wares. Today, you can still see the stalls and hundreds of exhibits showcasing the way the Colosseum used to look, including the clothing that people wore back then and pieces of the Colosseum itself that evidence the intricate designs:
"Well, what do you think? Do you like seeing the Colosseum? The arena?" I ask Theo.
He tilts his head as if considering the question. Frankly, it's an easy question. Seeing the Colosseum is on Theo's bucket list. Being a gladiator--priceless.
Finally, the gangster cat, gives me a paw up. Theo likes it!!
