There is, of course, another viewpoint to consider: that of the arena's contestants. Gladiator schools, schools to learn the art of fighting wild animals, and facilities for dealing with dead and wounded gladiators were built around the Colosseum, occupying the grounds of the former Domus Aurea (the area formerly claimed by Nero for his private residence). Gladiators could enter the arena through underground tunnels.

Another addition of Domitian was the hypogeum, a network of tunnels and rooms under the floor of the Colosseum. This is where animals and slaves were kept prior to meeting their fate on the floor of the arena above.

With the wooden floor above, it must have been dark, possibly with light just coming in through the slats of wood above or possibly the smoky flickering of torches. The growls and cries of strange animals would emerge from the darkness, echoing in their brick cages.

And above this grim underground city, the low rumble of the crowds, interspersed with cheers and screams as one by one, the animals and prisoners went above.

Now, though, the former dungeon is overgrown, and laced with relatively well-preserved ruins.