The Colosseum
Dan unravels the dramatic story of the Colosseum.
Join Dan in Rome as he unravels the dramatic story of the Colosseum, and the gladiators who fought — and died — for glory. From the origins of gladiatorial combat in funerary rites to the elaborate, politically charged spectacles of the Imperial era, Dan reveals what it took to reach the top and what really happened when a fighter lost.
Beginning in 64 AD with the Great Fire of Rome, he charts the rise of a new emperor, the construction of the colossal amphitheatre, and the ingenuity and brutality of the inaugural 100 days of games in 80 AD. Along the way, expert historians join Dan to separate fact from Hollywood fiction, bringing to life the greatest show on earth.
This is part of our series 'Dan Snow's Guide to Europe' and a version of this episode was released as a mini-series in November 2024.
Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.
All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3Media.
Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast.
