Coliseum Grand Opening (80 CE)
Bacchanals were not the only grand parties the Romans threw. The opening of the Flavian Amphitheater, known better as the Coliseum, was a 100-day party for all the people of Rome. It was built on top of the remains of Nero’s private Golden Palace, the Domus Aurea. In a politically solid move, the Flavian Emperors replaced it with a public arena. The grand opening had to be a party Romans would never forget.
Arenas like the Coliseum had concessions, liquor, souvenirs like action figures of athletes, public restrooms, and air conditioning. The Coliseum’s grand opening had to give the Romans more of what they loved. More liquor, more food, more blood. Roughly 9,000 animals were killed in staged battles. Countless gladiators fought to the blood (but not usually the death). And the best part? Admission was free during the celebrations paid for by Emperor Titus.
