Podcast Summary: HISTORY This Week Episode: The Colosseum Becomes a Wonder | A Conversation with Barry Strauss & Alison Futrell
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Hosts: The HISTORY® Channel | Back Pocket Studios
Guests: Barry Strauss, Alison Futrell
Duration: Approximately 35 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of HISTORY This Week, hosts Sally Helm and Ben Kingsley introduce a grand ceremony celebrating the New Seven Wonders of the World. This spectacle serves as a backdrop for an in-depth conversation with historians Barry Strauss and Alison Futrell about the enduring legacy of the Colosseum in Rome.

Historical Context of the Colosseum

The discussion begins with an exploration of the Colosseum's significance in ancient Rome. Sally Helm sets the stage by describing the colossal event in Lisbon, drawing parallels to the grandeur of the Colosseum itself.

Notable Quote:

Sally Helm [05:27]: "The Colosseum in Rome. Completed in 80 CE, centuries before this extravaganza in Portugal, the Colosseum hosted many a baroque and bloody spectacle."

The Colosseum as a Political Symbol

Barry Strauss and Alison Futrell delve into the political motivations behind the construction of the Colosseum. They explain how the Flavian dynasty utilized the amphitheater to legitimize their rule and connect with the Roman populace.

Key Points:

• Flavian Dynasty's Intent: The Flavians built the Colosseum to demonstrate their power and benevolence, transforming spaces of imperial opulence into public arenas.
• Political Legitimacy: The Colosseum served as a monument to the Flavians' military achievements, particularly in suppressing the Jewish revolt in Judea.

Notable Quotes:

Barry Strauss [14:24]: "The Colosseum was built in part from spoils that come from Judea. It's meant to remind people... that they had put down this great revolt."

David Strauss [16:24]: "The Colosseum was a war monument... meant to remind people... of our strength."

Gladiators and Their Role

The conversation shifts to the gladiators who populated the Colosseum's arena. The historians clarify common misconceptions and provide a nuanced view of gladiators' lives and societal roles.

Key Points:

• Definition: Gladiators were trained combatants, often slaves or prisoners of war, who fought in arenas for public entertainment.
• Training and Status: While gladiators were of low social status legally, their popularity among the masses granted them a complex position within Roman society.
• Types of Gladiators: Various classes existed, such as the retiarius, who used a trident and net, and were known for their visibility and popularity.

Notable Quotes:

Barry Strauss [21:00]: "Gladiators are trained combatants, trained to perform as combatants, rather than people who are purely trained to fight wars."

Alison Futrell [26:32]: "Gladiators are people who are made to serve the pleasures of others... they are excluded from full political participation."

Spartacus and Rebellion

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Spartacus, the most renowned gladiator who led a major slave revolt against Rome. The historians dissect the historical accounts versus modern mythologization.

Key Points:

• Spartacus' Background: A former soldier and gladiator who led a breakout from a gladiatorial school in Capua.
• The Revolt: Spartacus and his followers escaped to Mount Vesuvius, rallied slaves, and posed a substantial threat to Rome.
• Suppression: The revolt was ultimately crushed by Marcus Licinius Crassus, who brutally crucified thousands to serve as a deterrent to future rebellions.

Notable Quotes:

David Strauss [29:14]: "Contrary to the myth of Hollywood, Spartacus is killed in the battle. He isn't crucified. There is no famous 'I'm Spartacus' scene."

Alison Futrell [31:41]: "Spartacus has a lot of meaning for moderns... the story of Spartacus became meaningful at a time when people were talking about... the aristocratic elites don't know everything and don't deserve everything."

The Colosseum in Modern Times

Barry Strauss touches upon how the Colosseum has been interpreted and used as a symbol throughout history, notably during Mussolini's regime and its lasting legacy today.

Key Points:

• Mussolini's Fascism: The regime appropriated Roman symbols, including the Colosseum, to bolster their political propaganda and aspirations of creating a new Italian empire.
• Modern Symbolism: Today, the Colosseum stands as a multifaceted symbol—representing both the grandeur and brutality of ancient Rome, as well as serving as a reminder of historical power dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

David Strauss [32:12]: "The Colosseum can have different meanings for different people... to us, it was my own symbol."

Conclusions

The episode wraps up with reflections on the enduring legacy of the Colosseum. Sally Helm emphasizes the importance of understanding historical contexts to fully appreciate such monumental sites.

Notable Quote:

Sally Helm [34:37]: "Our guests... you're both on the History Channel's series Colosseum, so listeners can catch you both there to hear more about all of this."

Key Takeaways

• The Colosseum was not just an architectural marvel but also a strategic political tool for the Flavian dynasty to legitimize their rule and connect with the populace.
• Gladiators, though low in legal status, held a complex position in Roman society, being both admired and feared.
• Spartacus' revolt symbolizes resistance against oppression and has been immortalized in modern culture, though historical accounts differ.
• The Colosseum's symbolism has evolved, reflecting various political and cultural narratives over centuries.

Notable Quotes Compilation

1. Sally Helm [05:27]: "The Colosseum in Rome. Completed in 80 CE, centuries before this extravaganza in Portugal, the Colosseum hosted many a baroque and bloody spectacle."
2. Barry Strauss [14:24]: "The Colosseum was built in part from spoils that come from Judea. It's meant to remind people... that they had put down this great revolt."
3. David Strauss [16:24]: "The Colosseum was a war monument... meant to remind people... of our strength."
4. Barry Strauss [21:00]: "Gladiators are trained combatants, trained to perform as combatants, rather than people who are purely trained to fight wars."
5. Alison Futrell [26:32]: "Gladiators are people who are made to serve the pleasures of others... they are excluded from full political participation."
6. David Strauss [29:14]: "Contrary to the myth of Hollywood, Spartacus is killed in the battle. He isn't crucified. There is no famous 'I'm Spartacus' scene."
7. Alison Futrell [31:41]: "Spartacus has a lot of meaning for moderns... the story of Spartacus became meaningful at a time when people were talking about... the aristocratic elites don't know everything and don't deserve everything."
8. David Strauss [32:12]: "The Colosseum can have different meanings for different people... to us, it was my own symbol."
9. Sally Helm [34:37]: "Our guests... you're both on the History Channel's series Colosseum, so listeners can catch you both there to hear more about all of this."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the Colosseum's historical significance, its role in Roman politics, the lives of gladiators, and its lasting impact as a cultural symbol. Through expert insights and engaging discussion, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how this ancient marvel continues to resonate through the ages.