6 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do Inside the Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of those places you’ve probably seen a hundred times before you ever visit. It pops up on every travel list, every documentary, every “must-see” reel. And it’s no wonder—this place is a symbol of ancient greatness.

But here’s the thing: even with millions of visitors a year, the landmark still has a few surprises up its sleeve. Yes, that’s right! There are parts of the amphitheater most visitors never see—not because they’re hidden, but because no one tells them to look. 

So, if you’re planning a visit, this blog is your heads-up. Let’s get into six things you probably didn’t know you could do inside this historic landmark.

Step Into the Arena Like a Gladiator

You probably know what went on inside the Colosseum—fierce battles, massive crowds, and fighters risking everything for survival or glory. But what you might not know is that you can actually stand where it all happened.

Yes, right on the arena floor. Not only that, but you can also enter through the same gate that those fighters once used. It’s called the Gladiator’s Gate, and stepping through it feels unreal. Once you’re on the arena floor, everything changes. The view hits differently. 

The walls rise high around you. You suddenly see the Colosseum not as a ruin but as a stage. The same stage that held 50,000 spectators. It’s the most immersive part of the entire experience.

Just keep in mind that this area isn’t open with a standard ticket. You’ll need Colosseum Arena floor tickets to access this part of the monument. Luckily, they’re pretty simple to find online. Some even include skip-the-line access, which definitely comes in handy when the place gets packed.

See the Colosseum from an Emperor’s Point of View

Everyone talks about what happened in the arena, but what about those watching it? Have you ever thought about what it felt like to be a Roman emperor, sitting high above it all, watching the crowd roar as the fighters clashed below?

Well, you can experience that. You can visit those upper vantage points where emperors and senators once sat. From there, the view is unmatched. You see the layout, the precision, the sheer scale of the structure. 

It’s a reminder that the arena wasn’t just about blood—it was about power, status, and control. Looking out from these seats gives you a different perspective—one that most visitors never think about. 

And yet, it’s just as important to the story. If you get a chance to access these upper tiers, take it. You’ll never see the monument the same way again.

Explore the Underground Chambers

What you see above ground is only part of the story. Beneath the historic monument lies a darker story. Quite literally. The underground area, called the hypogeum, was once a maze of tunnels and cages. This is where gladiators waited before the battle. 

It’s where wild animals were kept before they were lifted into the arena. You might have seen this in movies, but standing there in person? That’s a different feeling altogether.

The floor of the arena used to have trap doors and elevators. These were powered by pulleys and men who worked in the shadows. The animals would rise suddenly into view. It was all about the drama.

If you’re into history or want to see how Roman engineering worked behind the scenes, this part of the amphitheater will absolutely hold your attention.

Walk The “Hidden” Paths to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The amphitheater isn’t just a single monument—it’s part of a much larger story. Connected to it are two equally important sites: the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. But many visitors either skip them or don’t realize they’re a part of the history.

The Roman Forum was once the city’s main hub. Everything happened here—political debates, public speeches, religious events, even business deals. Walking through it now, you’ll find temples, old government buildings, and even the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated.

Palatine Hill, on the other hand, is where Rome began. According to legend, this is where Romulus founded Rome. Later, emperors built their palaces here, enjoying panoramic views of their empire. It’s quieter but no less impressive.

These two spots aren’t hidden in the literal sense. But they’re often rushed through or missed. Take your time here. Walk slowly. Let the scale of what once was really sink in.

Discover Where Ancient Elevators Once Operated

The arena wasn’t just a giant fighting pit—it was a technical marvel, too. Deep inside the floor, ancient Romans built wooden elevators to move animals, stage props, and sometimes even people. 

These lifts weren’t powered by machines. They were lifted by ropes, pulleys, and raw human effort. At the time, around 28 elevators were built into the structure. Each one was designed to shock the audience. 

Lions could appear mid-fight. The scenery could change in seconds. It was theater, battle, and engineering rolled into one. Some tours now point out where these elevators once stood. You can even see restored examples that show how they worked. 

It’s a good reminder that the Romans weren’t just about swords—they were also incredibly smart builders.

See Hidden Carvings and Ancient Graffiti

This one surprises a lot of people. Tucked into the stone of the historic monument are carvings left by real people—names, drawings, even symbols. Some are ancient. Some are just old. But they’re all fascinating.

The gladiators were like celebrities in their time. Visitors would carve their favorite fighter’s name into the walls or leave behind a simple mark to say, “I was here.” One carving even shows a ship, which historians believe was used to promote mock sea battles.

These marks are easy to miss if you’re not looking closely. So when you’re there, slow down. Look at the walls, not just the view. You might find something left behind by someone who stood in the same spot nearly 2,000 years ago.

Wrapping Up

Visiting the Colosseum is already special. But when you know where to look—and what to look for—it becomes something more. These six experiences aren’t hidden, but they are easy to miss if you’re not prepared. So don’t just walk in, snap pictures, and leave. Look deeper. If you want the memories to stick, make sure you experience it, not just observe it.

**Contributed post