Colosseum Glossary of Terms |
| Acta Diurna | The Acta Diurna (meaning Daily Acts) was the Roman daily paper which contained news of gladiatorial contests
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| 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')
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| 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
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| Armamentarium | Armamentarium: an armory to store weapons
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| Bisellium | : A richly ornamented seat of honor at the games
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| 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
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| Clipea | Clipea: A series of decorative bronze shields around the top stories of the Colosseum that were added by the Emperor Domitian
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| Cloaca Maxima | Cloaca Maxima: the main sewerage system of Rome
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| 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
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| 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
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| Cunei | Cunei definition: The main sections were subdivided into wedges (wedge-shaped sections) called cunei
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| Domitian | Domitian: The Emperor and younger son of Vespacian who added the Hypogeum and the top tier to the Colosseum
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| Domus Aurea | Domus Aurea: The palace of Nero was called the Domus Aurea (Latin for "Golden House")
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| 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
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| Euripi | Euripi: A large ditch (euripi) surrounding the arena providing protection from wild animals
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| 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
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| Gradus | Gradus definition: Rows of seats
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| 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
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| Honorius | Honorius: The Emperor Honorius, finally decreed the end of gladiatorial contests in 399 AD
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| 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
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| 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
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| Ionic Columns | Ionic Columns: On the second level of the Colosseum, characterized by two opposed volutes (a spiral scroll-like ornament) in the capital
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| Lanista | Lanista: Gladiator Trainer
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| Ludus Magnus | Ludus Magnus: Gladiator School next to the Colosseum
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| Maeniana | Maeniana definition: Sections of the Colosseum
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| Maenianum primum | Maenianum primum: Seating reserved for the non-senatorial noble class called the Equites
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| Maenianum secundum imum | Maenianum secundum imum - the better, lower seats for the wealthy plebeians
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| Maenianum secundum summum | Maenianum secundum summum - the upper seats for the poor plebeians
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| 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
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| Munera | Munera: Funeral games were held annually or every five years for the purpose of keeping the dead person's memory alive
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| Naumachiae | Naumachiae: Naval battles held in the Colosseum
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| 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
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| Porta Libitinensis | Porta Libitinensis: Gate of Death)
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| Porta Sanavivaria | Porta Sanavivaria. The Gate of Life where those who had been defeated but spared would exit the arena
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| Porta Triumphalis | Porta Triumphalis: Gate through which the victors would exit the arena
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| Praecinctiones | Praecinctiones definition: Curved passages and low walls which separated the sections
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| Pulvinar | Pulvinar: Imperial Box
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| Saniarium | Saniarium: Where wounded gladiators were taken
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| Stucco | Stucco: A durable finish for exterior walls, usually composed of cement, sand, and lime and applied while wet
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| Summum Choragium | Summum Choragium: Where machinery used in the Colosseum was stored
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| Telemachus | Telemachus: An Egyptian monk named Telemachus whose martyrdom was instrumental in ending the gladiator combats
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| Titus | Titus: The Emperor and son of Vespasian who completed the building of the Colosseum and presided over its opening
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| Travertine | Travertine: A sedimentary stone made essentially of calcite
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| Tufa | Tufa: A rock composed of compacted volcanic ash varying in size from fine sand to coarse gravel
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| Velarium | Velarium: A Retractable Awning called the Velarium provided cover and shade in the Colosseum
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| Venationes | Venationes: An imitation of the wild animal hunts
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| Vespasian | Vespasian: The Emperor who commissioned the building of the Colosseum
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| Vespasiano | Vespasiano: Public toilets
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| Vestal Virgin Box | Vestal Virgin Box: Located on the podium on the south side of the arena
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| Vomitaria | Vomitaria definition: The Entrances to the Colosseum led to the vomitaria which were passages to the seats |
Colosseum Glossary of Terms |
