The mystery of the Colosseum's hidden imperial corridor
While four tunnels in the Colosseum were used for gladiators and animals, a fifth, more ornate passage served a different purpose. This video explores the history of the 'Commodus Passage,' a decorated underground route designed to keep Roman emperors separate from the public.
The Colosseum featured five tunnels: four utilitarian paths for equipment and animals, and a fifth, more elaborate corridor built after the amphitheater's completion around 80 C.E. (S1:p1, S2:p3). This S-shaped passage, which required cutting through the foundation, likely allowed emperors to enter the imperial box, or pulvinar, without interacting with senators or the Roman populace (S2:p4, S2:p6).
Once adorned with marble, plaster, and landscapes, the tunnel also featured stucco scenes of Dionysus and Ariadne (S2:p5). The passage is famously associated with the emperor Commodus, who began ruling in 177 (S2:p2, S2:p6). Some experts believe he may have even survived an assassination attempt within this very corridor (S2:p1, S2:p6).
Source: The Emperor's Secret Tunnel into the Colosseum
