Gladiators Exhibition Opens in Colosseum Underground

A new exhibition titled 'Gladiatori nell’Arena. Tra Colosseo e Ludus Magnus' has launched in the underground chambers of the Colosseum in Rome, showcasing the lives and training of ancient gladiators. This event marks the reopening of the Criptoportico dei Gladiatori, a passage that connects the arena with the Ludus Magnus, originally constructed by Emperor Domitian. Although this link was disrupted in the 19th century, it has now been restored. Visitors can enjoy a holographic display that reimagines the Colosseum-Ludus Magnus connection. The exhibition features pairs of gladiators, original artifacts from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, and armor reconstructions by Silvano Mattesini. Curators Alfonsina Russo, Federica Rinaldi, Barbara Nazzaro, and Silvano Mattesini aim to enhance historical comprehension through technology.