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Colosseum Underground:  Ancient Rome’s Secrets Revealed with Livia Galante

Colosseum Underground: Ancient Rome’s Secrets Revealed with Livia Galante


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

One of the world’s most recognizable ancient monuments, the Roman Colosseum is still revealing brand new archaeological clues about daily life in Rome thousands of years ago. Following its latest restoration, the heart of the arena successfully reopened to the in summer 2021 – owing to the efforts of an international team of archaeologists, engineers, architects, and fundraisers. 

This interactive conversation has been designed to virtually transport curious travelers back in time to experience the labyrinthine “backstage” area once used by gladiators and stagehands. Dozens of these dark, crowded corridors and rooms once caged all manner of men and animals, without plumbing, ventilation, or much natural light. Hard-working crews relied upon a complex system of elevators to hoist set pieces and performers up to the arena floor level where they often fought to the death.

Our discussion will be guided by questions such as: When did the “shows” finally end? Why did the arena crumble into a state of disrepair after the fall of the Roman Empire? Why is there a Christian cross erected in a place where such ungodly combat was fought? There will also be time reserved for participants to ask questions of their own. 

Led by an expert on Ancient Roman Topography, Livia Galante, this Conversation will focus on the underbelly of the Colosseum. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased comprehension of this iconic area’s many layers, its transformation throughout time, as well as the complex operational logistics which were required below ground to support its spectacles. 

Livia obtained a degree in Archaeology at the Sapienza University of Rome and has a Master's degree in the History and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Roma Tre. Her main field of interest is ancient Roman topography and early Christian architecture; however, she is an accomplished scholar whose teaching ability extends to the Renaissance and Baroque Rome. As a native Roman, Livia is very enthusiastic about sharing the deep love and knowledge she has for her hometown with clients.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 20 reviews
95%
(19)
0%
(0)
5%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
H
H.B. (Las Vegas, US)
Livia Galante's Tour of the Roman Colosseum

This was my first experience with Context Zoom Lectures. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Her use of mixed media enhanced the entire experience. I will be signing up for more lectures in the future.

L
Laurie (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent!

Very thorough and comprehensive presentation- learned a lot of useful information for our trip to Rome next week.

L
Larry Levine
Lots of new (to me) information

Very informative presentation about the structure, operation and history of the Colosseum. Chocked full of illustrations — photos, diagrams, maps, artwork and video.

E
Elisabetta (Rome, IT)
Wonderful

Thanks very much for this conversation, it was interesting as usual. I was able to appreciate the history so much more! I look forward to your conversations next.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Fascinating Exploration of the Underground Colosseum

This was an enlightening, informative, and impactful discussion about the structure and function of the Colosseum. I have listened to a couple other lectures about this and Livia's seminar added more facts. Besides the structure in Rome, she also included the lives of those who worked in the amphitheater and those who watched the spectacles. Great diagrams, photos (including those of her own recently as the underground has opened), and video clips all enhanced the presentation. Marvelous!

Customer Reviews

Based on 20 reviews
95%
(19)
0%
(0)
5%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
H
H.B. (Las Vegas, US)
Livia Galante's Tour of the Roman Colosseum

This was my first experience with Context Zoom Lectures. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Her use of mixed media enhanced the entire experience. I will be signing up for more lectures in the future.

L
Laurie (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent!

Very thorough and comprehensive presentation- learned a lot of useful information for our trip to Rome next week.

L
Larry Levine
Lots of new (to me) information

Very informative presentation about the structure, operation and history of the Colosseum. Chocked full of illustrations — photos, diagrams, maps, artwork and video.

E
Elisabetta (Rome, IT)
Wonderful

Thanks very much for this conversation, it was interesting as usual. I was able to appreciate the history so much more! I look forward to your conversations next.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Fascinating Exploration of the Underground Colosseum

This was an enlightening, informative, and impactful discussion about the structure and function of the Colosseum. I have listened to a couple other lectures about this and Livia's seminar added more facts. Besides the structure in Rome, she also included the lives of those who worked in the amphitheater and those who watched the spectacles. Great diagrams, photos (including those of her own recently as the underground has opened), and video clips all enhanced the presentation. Marvelous!