When in Rome … it’s a no-brainer that the famed Colosseum is at the top of most visitors’ list of “must see” attractions. In fact, this forerunner to our modern arenas plays host to about 4 million tourists a year, second only to Rome’s Vatican City. Besides instant recognition of the breathtaking iconic structure, the majority who visit, and most of us, know the facts about the Colosseum, right?

It was built during the Roman Empire’s glory days, they fed Christians to the lions there, and wow…the gladiator shows must’ve been something! But do they…do we…really know the captivating details behind this magnificent ruin?