Ancient stagecraft at the Colosseum

The Colosseum in Rome was as sophisticated as a modern stage set, according to archaeologists who have calculated how an intricate system of gangplanks, trapdoors and levers was used to bring wild animals into the arena. Under the 55,000-seat Colosseum, pulleys and ropes were operated at split-second intervals to connect passages, open gates and hoist cages from the basement to the floor of the arena.

The system was run by teams of trained slaves who faced being fed to the animals themselves if their timing went awry.

A team from the German Archaeological Institute involved in an eight-year project to rebuild the arena - which dates back to about AD70 - has been astonished by the ingenious designs.

Although the basement of the Colosseum was due to be excavated in 1812, the watertable was too high at the time and the area was covered over again. Until now, it has never been properly investigated.

Posted by David on December 14, 2003 5:10 PM