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Gladiators: The Colosseum

In part one, Dan explores the building of the Colosseum, Rome's grandest stage.

In part one of an adventure in Rome, join Dan as he traces the true history of the gladiators. He begins his story in 64 AD with the great fire of Rome that left the city in ruin. From the ashes rose a new Emperor and his dreams for a gargantuan amphitheatre, unlike anything the Empire had ever seen.

With the help of leading experts, Dan explores the building of the Colosseum, the biggest stage in the Roman world, and the ingenuity and cruelty of the entertainment that took place there during the inaugural 100 days of games in 80AD.

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3 Media.

Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

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49 minutes