Spectacles in the Colosseum Arena Floor. The Superstars

The exhibition, open to the public in the undergrounds of the Flavian Amphitheater and curated by Alfonsina Russo, Federica Rinaldi and Barbara Nazzaro, is part of a larger project with which the Colosseum Archaeological Park will investigate all aspects related to the spectacles and spread knowledge about the material evidence from the most recent archaeological research.

The exhibition occupies the eastern sector of the underground level, the true backstage of the spectacles that took place on the arena floor. In ancient times, this area was connected by a covered gallery to the Ludus Magnus, the largest of Rome’s gladiatorial barracks. A multimedia installation allows visitors to relive the march of the gladiators from the Ludus Magnus to the arena to meet their fate. The gladiators in the holographic projection (realized by Katatexilux based on an idea and curatorship by Federica Rinaldi) are wearing armor made in perfect imitation of the originals preserved in major Italian and international museums.

Pieces from the Archaeological Park will contribute to the story of the spectacles and their protagonists (the gladiators, but also the animals involved in the hunts). Mosaics, oil lamps, reliefs and other ancient artefacts provide the context for learning about the weapons used for fighting, the legal status and the real reasons why gladiators performed in front of more than 50,000 spectators.

The exhibition can be visited daily with the Full Experience Arena and Underground ticket.