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Colosseum Glossary of Terms
Acta
Diurna
The Acta Diurna (meaning
Daily Acts) was the Roman daily paper which contained
news of gladiatorial contests
Amphitheatre
Amphitheatre: The
amphitheatres were round or oval in shape. Their design
was taken from joining two half circle wooden theatres
together (the word "amphi" means 'both sides')
Arena
The arena was the area of
the Colosseum where the events were held which was
separated from the seating areas by a massive wall,
faced with marble
Armamentarium
Armamentarium: an armory to
store weapons
Bisellium:
A richly ornamented seat
of honor at the games
Cavea
Cavea definition: The
sloping floor and the seating area of the Colosseum
which was divided into four main sections of seating
stretching up and back from the edge of the arena
Clipea
Clipea: A series of
decorative bronze shields around the top stories of the
Colosseum that were added by the Emperor Domitian
Cloaca
Maxima
Cloaca Maxima: the main
sewerage system of Rome
Colosseum
Colosseum: The name
Colosseum (taken from the Latin word 'colosseus' meaning
colossal) in reference to the gigantic statue of the
Emperor Nero which had been previously erected near the
site of the Colosseum
Corinthian Columns
Corinthian Columns: The
most ornate column on the third level of the Colosseum
characterized by a slender fluted column having an
ornate bell-shaped capital decorated with acanthus
leaves
Cunei
Cunei definition: The main
sections were subdivided into wedges (wedge-shaped
sections) called cunei
Domitian
Domitian: The Emperor and
younger son of Vespacian who added the Hypogeum and the
top tier to the Colosseum
Domus
Aurea
Domus Aurea: The palace of
Nero was called the Domus Aurea (Latin for "Golden
House")
Doric
Columns
Doric Columns: The simplest
column on the first level of the Colosseum characterized
by heavy fluted columns with plain, saucer-shaped
capitals and base
Euripi
Euripi: A large ditch
(euripi) surrounding the arena providing protection from
wild animals
Flavian
Amphitheatre
Flavian Amphitheatre:
Flavian Amphitheatre was originally given this name due
to it being built by Titus Flavius Vespasianus (Emperor
Vespasian) who founded the Flavian dynasty
Gradus
Gradus definition: Rows of
seats
Harena
Harena: Meaning sand in
Latin, which covered the floor of the arena from which
the word arena was derived - a reference to the thick
layer of sand on the floor for the purpose of soaking up
the blood
Honorius
Honorius: The Emperor
Honorius, finally decreed the end of gladiatorial
contests in 399 AD
Hypogeum
Hypogeum Definition: The
area beneath the Colosseum was called the Hypogeum
(meaning underground). The hypogeum consisted of
two-level subterranean network of tunnels and 32 animal
pens. It had 80 vertical shafts which provided instant
access to the arena for animals and scenery
Imperial
Box
Imperial Box: A raised
Imperial Box located on the podium (meaning place of
honor) reserved for the
Emperor and his family. The imperial Box was located at
the north side of the arena
Ionic
Columns
Ionic Columns: On the
second level of the Colosseum, characterized by two
opposed volutes (a spiral scroll-like ornament) in the
capital
Lanista
Lanista: Gladiator Trainer
Ludus
Magnus
Ludus Magnus: Gladiator
School next to the Colosseum
Maeniana
Maeniana definition:
Sections of the Colosseum
Maenianum
primum
Maenianum primum: Seating
reserved for the non-senatorial noble class called the
Equites
Maenianum
secundum imum
Maenianum secundum imum -
the better, lower seats for the wealthy plebeians
Maenianum
secundum summum
Maenianum secundum summum -
the upper seats for the poor plebeians
Maenianum
summum in ligneis
Maenianum summum in ligneis:
Consisted of wooden seats which were set up in the
gallery running around the very top wall of the
amphitheatre
Munera
Munera: Funeral games were
held annually or every five years for the purpose of
keeping the dead person's memory alive
Naumachiae
Naumachiae: Naval battles
held in the Colosseum
Podium
Podium definition: The
podium was the terrace, a broad platform
about 15ft wide, situated at the top of the wall,
which surrounded the arena and afforded the best views
of the arena. The seating on the podium was moveable
seats, or chairs
Porta
Libitinensis
Porta Libitinensis: Gate of
Death)
Porta
Sanavivaria
Porta Sanavivaria. The Gate
of Life where those who had been defeated but spared
would exit the arena
Porta
Triumphalis
Porta Triumphalis: Gate
through which the victors would exit the arena
Praecinctiones
Praecinctiones definition:
Curved passages and low walls which separated the
sections
Pulvinar
Pulvinar: Imperial Box
Saniarium
Saniarium: Where wounded
gladiators were taken
Stucco
Stucco: A durable finish
for exterior walls, usually composed of cement, sand,
and lime and applied while wet
Summum
Choragium
Summum Choragium: Where
machinery used in the Colosseum was stored
Telemachus
Telemachus: An Egyptian
monk named Telemachus whose martyrdom was instrumental
in ending the gladiator combats
Titus
Titus: The Emperor and son
of Vespasian who completed the building of the Colosseum
and presided over its opening
Travertine
Travertine: A sedimentary
stone made essentially of calcite
Tufa
Tufa: A rock composed of
compacted volcanic ash varying in size from fine sand to
coarse gravel
Velarium
Velarium: A Retractable
Awning called the Velarium provided cover and shade in
the Colosseum
Venationes
Venationes: An imitation of
the wild animal hunts
Vespasian
Vespasian: The Emperor who
commissioned the building of the Colosseum
Vespasiano
Vespasiano: Public toilets
Vestal
Virgin Box
Vestal Virgin Box: Located
on the podium on the south side of the arena
Vomitaria
Vomitaria definition: The
Entrances to the Colosseum
led to the vomitaria which were passages to the seats
Colosseum
Glossary of Terms
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