Unsolved History Season 1 Episode 9 The Roman Colosseum

The Roman Colosseum is the 9th episode in the first season of the show Unsolved History. This particular episode focuses on the history and construction of the iconic Roman Colosseum. The documentary-style episode features historical experts, engineers, and architects who take us through the process of how this massive structure was built, the reason for its construction, and some of the events that took place in the Colosseum.

The episode begins by discussing the importance of the Colosseum in ancient Rome and how it was used as a place for public spectacles and gladiatorial games. We learn that the Colosseum was built between 72 AD and 80 AD and was capable of seating between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. The documentary then shows us how the Colosseum was built by the slaves of Rome and examines some of the techniques used to construct such a massive structure at the time.

As we learn more about the construction of the Colosseum, we also discover some of the sacrifices made to build such a building. For example, there was a need for a lot of labor during the construction of the Colosseum. It is estimated that over 60,000 Jewish slaves were used in construction alone, and many did not survive the construction process. The episode does not shy away from confronting some of the harsh realities of the ancient world while still providing us with historical insight.

The episode also delves into some of the events held within the Colosseum, including chariot races, animal hunts, and gladiatorial games. We learn that the audience was very involved in the spectacles and would vote on which gladiator would live or die. We are also given an inside look at what the experience would be like for the gladiators. We learn that many gladiators were slaves or prisoners of war that were forced to perform in these games to entertain the masses, and many were not given a chance to live beyond the games.

One of the most interesting segments of the episode is the examination of the arena itself. The experts reveal how the Colosseum was designed to be able to be filled with water and used for naval battles, which were a popular spectacle at the time. We also learn about the mechanisms that would lift animals and gladiators up from the tunnels beneath the arena and transport them to the center stage.

The episode then takes a look at the decline and eventual abandonment of the Colosseum. We learn that after the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was stripped of much of its materials, including the Bronze statues that adorned it. It was also used as a quarry and became a place for pilgrims to visit during the Christian era. Today, the Colosseum stands as a testament to the ingenuity and cruelty of the ancient world.

In conclusion, the 9th episode of Unsolved History season 1, "The Roman Colosseum," is a must-watch for anyone interested in Roman history. The episode is informative, illuminating, and appropriately engaging, offering a new perspective on one of the most famous structures in the world. With interviews from experts in the field and a flawless production, Unsolved History takes us on a journey into ancient Roman history and brings this significant historical monument back to life for viewers to experience.