Friday - Italy - Coliseum

The moment that I was waiting for was literally just around the corner. Finally, we were getting to see the Coliseum. I was so excited to go to Italy. There were three things that I was looking forward to the most: seeing the countryside, eating Italian food, and seeing the Coliseum. Jackson was really excited about seeing the Coliseum too. We had talked and talked about the Coliseum. We had talked about why the outside is broken (he will tell you that, "An earthquake came and shook and shook and shook until crash!! Hand motions come with it too of course.) and all about gladiators.

As we turned the corner leaving the Forum, here is what we saw:

Of course, we were all really excited to be so close to the Coliseum!


This is inside the Coliseum walking around the outer loop.


When we first entered the Coliseum, we were amazed by the size. Impressive.

One of the archways.

Jackson and Daddy look at the maze that was below the floor of the Coliseum.

Here is what was below the wooden floor. Incredible. We could see where the animals were kept in cages. We also learned about the trap doors that were in the floor where a pulley system was used to raise the animal in a random place for the gladiator to fight. We also saw the areas where soldiers with bows and arrows sat armed and ready in case an animal lurched into the crowd.

We learned that some of the flowers and grasses on the floor of the Coliseum were not native to Italy. The animals that were brought in from far away places had seeds on them, and dropped on the floor.

Jackson and Daddy looking at the Coliseum.

Look at how big it is.

Daddy and Jackson at the Coliseum.

Mommy and Jackson at the Coliseum.

Papa J with his grandchildren getting some shade in one of the tunnels.

Mommy and Lauren at the Coliseum.

There is a stage built on the bottom part of this picture. It was closed off from visitors.

This is the view from the Coliseum looking out. Aren't the trees unique?

We just kept walking around and soaking it all in. It was all that I imagined it to be plus more.

Thomas and myself at the Coliseum. We kept telling ourselves that we were really there!

The outside of the Coliseum.

You can see the outer ring that is broken in this picture.

Thomas and I at the Coliseum. Jackson had fallen asleep at that time, so we did not get a family shot. Everyone promised to return the next day to get the one picture that I really wanted.

The Coliseum on the side where you can see the outer ring.