Thanks to recent excavations and archaeological research, we know more about the Colosseum than ever before, and this itinerary will clue you into the latest research in as you discover the secrets of the Flavian Amphitheater. You will learn of fascinating details such as the Velarium, a kind of awning that covered the seating area which was operated by sailors, or how the Colosseum could be flooded to allow chaotic naval battles to be staged there. You private guided visit of the Colosseum will take you through the events of a whole day at the games around the arena, entering the world of the ancient Romans and gaining a vivid insight into their social and political life. Of course, your guide can personalize the itinerary to suit your interests. Curious whether you need to take Hollywood movies like Gladiator with a pinch of salt? Did emperors really join the deadly frays in the arena? You will find out the answers to these questions with your expert guides. The daily life and politics of Ancient Rome underwent dramatic changes during the shift from the Republic to the Empire with Emperor Augustus at the end of the 1st century. The relation between the citizens of Rome and the politicians of the Republic, who had mostly been elected, changed completely. The emperor became the center of all political power and the only point of reference. The Romans would go to the Colosseum to show their support for their emperor, with the emperor using these spectacles at the Colosseum to demonstrate his commitment to the public, the strength of his political campaigns in distant parts of the empire, and his undisputed authority.