Discover Ancient Rome: Skip-the-Line Colosseum Tour, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

The Roman Colosseum was used as an entertainment venue where many games and spectacles took place, such as the still famous Gladiator battles. The ancient stadium (also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre) was initially built to restore Rome and the morale after several turbulent years of reign with activities commencing the first day, as Titus kicked off the grand opening of the Colosseum with 100 days of games.

Even though the ritual began well before the erection of the Colosseum, the origins (and location) of the first Gladiator fights in Rome are still not completely clear or confirmed. Some ancient historians have the practice dating back to the Etruscans, some the Punic Wars of the 3rd century, others as being part of the funeral ceremony for wealthy important nobles – sometimes in a public outdoor space, sometimes in a private residence, other times an arena was actually built. While the ‘when’ and ‘where’ are still under debate, there is no doubt that any of the Gladiator battles that took place prior to the Colosseum would ever compare.

While it is nearly impossible to know how many gladiators died in the Colosseum exactly, some sources estimate that 5,000 gladiators where killed each year, while the total number of deaths that took place in the arena is believed to be approximately 400,000 - between gladiators, slaves, prisoners, etc.

The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) is the rectangular shaped area situated between two of the seven hills of Rome – Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill and what remains of Ancient Rome’s city center. Once the location of important political, religious, social activities, and markets, the Roman Forum is the most important archaeological site in history with some of the most impressive and well-preserved ruins remaining. And along with the Colosseum, is one of the most famous tourist sites in Rome and the world.

Tickets to the Roman Forum always include Palatine Hill and usually also a visit to the Colosseum, depending on the tour option you choose. The cost to go to the Roman Forum and Palatino – general admission and without a tour guide - is 16 euros if you go in person or 18 euros if you purchase tickets online. But ordering your tickets in advance is always recommended and will save you time in line.