The Passage of Commodus, a hidden underground corridor in the Colosseum, is now accessible to visitors, marking a restoration milestone for the historic monument. Celebrated as a major success, the restoration allows the public to explore a part of the Colosseum that was once reserved exclusively for emperors. The corridor, attributed to Emperor Commodus who reigned between 180 and 192 CE, is infamous for its association with the cruel ruler who was passionate about combat in the arena, as noted by BioBioChile.
Before its public opening, the corridor underwent meticulous restoration efforts by the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum. “The reopening of the so-called Corridor of Commodus represents a step resulting from difficult work that has been able to conjure research, care, and enhancement,” said Massimo Osanna, General Director of Museums of Italy, according to Última Hora.
This underground corridor, once used by emperors to enter the Colosseum unseen, offers insight into the grandeur of Rome's imperial past. It was initially constructed between the reigns of Domitian and Trajan and included luxurious stucco and marble coverings. Over centuries, natural wear nearly erased these decorations. As part of the restoration, the glistening marble walls and metal clamps that held the slabs were revitalized, offering a glimpse into ancient construction techniques.
Produced with the assistance of a news-analysis system.
Innovative features were incorporated to enhance the visitor experience. New skylights illuminate the corridor, and a tactile map helps break down cognitive barriers, allowing engagement with the stucco images of mythological scenes on the vault. A digital reconstruction video also complements the visit, illustrating the original iconography and decorative elements of the passage.
One hypothesis regarding the corridor’s function is that it connected to the imperial palaces, allowing unobtrusive entry for the emperor and his retinue into the Colosseum. However, the exact endpoint of the passage remains uncertain. Additional restoration projects are planned to extend exploration beyond the existing tourist path within the Colosseum.
The Colosseum, regarded as a symbol of Rome and a marvel of ancient engineering, continues to draw millions of visitors each year. Its gladiatorial games, once emblematic of Roman spectacle, are now a subject of curiosity for tourists around the world. The opening of the Passage of Commodus diversifies public access to the site, offering a unique opportunity to witness preservation efforts firsthand.