In Ancient Rome, private individuals would use the arena of the amphitheater to host different kinds of shows. Gladiatorial shows were one of the biggest shows, attracting over 60,000 people to watch these gruesome events. Gladiators were mostly men who had been enslaved or imprisoned. Although the Colosseum is best known for its gladiator days, this was not the only type of show hosted. The Venatio, or animal hunt shows, also took place during the ancient Roman era. Many animals from around the world were brought to the Colosseum’s arena to be hunted and ultimately slaughtered. Animal shows were also the method of execution for anyone who was to be put to death by the state. Invigorating “sea battles” took place at the arena of the Colosseum and during these shows, the arena was filled with water for the re-enactments of famous battles. In order to keep the arena from being destroyed by the water, channels were dug to allow easy drainage.

Since The Colosseum is over 2,000 years old, the use of its space constantly changed throughout the years. Magic shows and acrobatic shows were a huge hit with ancient Romans. During the medieval age, the Colosseum was used as a cemetery and for housing, markets, workshops, and chapels. The Catholic community sought to make the Colosseum a place of worship or sanctuary, but it never happened. Artists, painters, and sculptors have also used the stage of the Colosseum to perform services and small shows.