The Colours of the Colosseum

Remains of polychromatic decorations reveal what the Flavian Amphitheatre actually looked like

ROME – The marble-clad external façade was white while the inside walls were as red as the blood shed by the gladiators. Here and there were patches of black and sky blue. This was how the Colosseum looked in classical times. We have the archaeologists and restorers working on a third-level service gallery to thank for the discovery of a few square metres of intact polychromatic decorations. The gallery, never before opened to the public, will become accessible this summer.

EXCEPTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE – The find is of exceptional significance. At last, we know what colour the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, actually was. Restorers who began work in October have removed several square metres of plaster to reveal the monument’s original decorations in full colour.

AZURITE – It turns out that the walls of the Colosseum were red in colour. There were blocks of red and black travertine stone and sections of azurite in the plasterwork, which on the vault probably depicted a skyscape or seascape. Archaeologists will now study the decorations to work out when and why they were executed.

GLADIATORS – Some peculiar images have come to light, including two apotropaic phalluses – probably dating from after the fire in 217 AD – which were supposed to ward off bad luck. There are also graffiti messages in praise of the gladiators and their exploits featuring palm fronds, wreaths, sword points and arrows.

VISITORS – Restoration of one hundred square metres of third-level gallery began last October. Sixty square metres have been completed at a cost of €80,000, financed by Rome’s special superintendency for the archaeological heritage. Unless there any surprises, the gallery, which up till now has been closed to the public, will be opened to visitors next summer.

English translation by Giles Watson

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