"Measuring about 180 feet long, the VIP underground passage, dug through the foundations of the Colosseum, was concealed from the attending masses. Experts say it was created between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD - decades after the amphitheatre was originally built in the AD 70s. The famous Colosseum - which was famously depicted in the Ridley Scott's Gladiator films - hosted thousands of bloody battles as a form of public spectacle."
"According to the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, the tunnel' ancient surfaces including marble-clad walls, where traces of the metal clamps that supported the slabs can still be seen, have been fully restored. A building material favoured by the Romans called stucco has mythological scenes from the myth of the wine-god Dionysus and his immortal wife Ariadne. At the entrance to the passage, scenes related to the arena shows still appear, such as boar hunts and bear fights accompanied by acrobatic performances."
"'It makes accessible and accessible for the first time ever a place so fascinating for its history, its architecture, and, not least, its decorative apparatus, which was for exclusive use and hidden from the public during the time of the emperors,' they said. Now, partially lit and ventilated by air vents, the passage is open to the public, letting visitors trace the same steps as Roman emperors."
A VIP underground passage beneath the Colosseum measures about 180 feet and was dug through the amphitheatre’s foundations to conceal exits from the public. The passage was constructed between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, decades after the Colosseum’s original building in the AD 70s. The tunnel is now partially lit and ventilated and open for visitors to walk the emperors’ route. Ancient surfaces, including marble-clad walls with traces of metal clamps, have been restored. Stucco decorations depict Dionysus and Ariadne, while entrance scenes show boar hunts, bear fights and acrobatic performances.
Read at Mail Online
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