GabyA team of archaeologists and architects excavating the sewer system of the Colosseum in Rome has discovered numerous remnants of food. They are about two thousand years old. Ancient Romans consumed them during gladiatorial games and other public spectacles in the legendary amphitheater. The specialists made the discovery a few months ago but have only now revealed it.
Research on the sewage and hydraulic systems of Italy’s most visited archaeological site began in January 2021. Since then, scientists have surveyed about 70 meters of drains and collectors beneath the Colosseum. As a result, they discovered many diverse artifacts and food remains, the publication reported. Arkeonews .
What did the archaeologists uncover?
The most famous building of Ancient Rome, the Colosseum, was designed to hold around 65,000 spectators. It is no surprise that the ruins of the amphitheater still preserve a vast number of relics from deep antiquity.
The Colosseum was used for public spectacles. Among them were animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles (including naval ones), theatrical performances, and of course, gladiatorial contests.
During the excavations, archaeologists and architects studied the remains of ancient Roman “snacks” and drew conclusions about the favorite foods of the public at that time. It turned out that spectators most often indulged in olives, fruits, berries, and nuts. The team specifically discovered fragments of figs, peaches, grapes, cherries, blackberries, olives, and walnuts.
Researchers also unearthed the bones of bears and large cats. Most likely, these animals were used in brutal games – hunted in the arena or forced to fight each other.
In addition to the remnants of ancient snacks, the team discovered 53 bronze coins dated approximately between 250 and 450 AD. They also found a silver commemorative coin (sestertius), dated 170-171 AD, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of Emperor Marcus Aurelius’s reign.
Among the discovered artifacts belonging to visitors and participants of the spectacles were gaming dice, a bone pin, pieces of leather, shoe nails, and rivets.
According to Alfonsina Russo, the director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, thanks to all these relics, we have “an idea of the experiences and habits of those who came here for a long time to watch performances.” The head of the archaeological park published photographs of the findings on her Twitter page.
The construction of the Colosseum began during the reign of Emperor Vespasian (69-79 AD) and was completed by his son and successor Titus in 80 AD.
The largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire ceased to be used for its intended purpose after its fall in the 5th century AD. Subsequently, the Colosseum underwent various transformations. It became, among other things, a fortress for noble local families, a fort to guard the entrances to the Lateran Palace, which served as the residence of the popes from the 4th to the 11th centuries, and a source of building stone. By the mid-14th century, it even became a refuge for bandits.
