A year-long study of the drainage system beneath the Colosseum has uncovered bone fragments from bears and big cats that were likely used for wrestling or as prey in hunting games in the ancient Roman arena, archaeologists said Thursday.
Other finds include more than 50 bronze coins from the late Roman period, as well as a silver coin from around AD 170-171 commemorating the 10-year reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, they added in a statement.
The seeds of fruits such as figs, grapes and melons, as well as traces of olives and nuts – believed to indicate that the audience snacked during the show – were also found in the 2,000-year-old stone amphitheater.
The research, which began in January, involved clearing about 70 meters of drains and sewers under the Colosseum and is seen as shedding light on its final years before it fell into disuse around 523 AD.
Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, said the discoveries “deepen our understanding of the experiences and habits of those who came to this place during the long days dedicated to the performances.”
