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Italy Unveils Project to Restore Colosseum and Rebuild Arena Which Hosted Gladiator Fights

© AP Photo / Andrew MedichiniA view of the Colosseum after the first stage of the restoration work was completed in Rome, Friday, July 1st, 2016. The Colosseum has emerged more imposing than ever after its most extensive restoration, a multi-million-euro cleaning to remove a dreary, undignified patina of soot and grime from the ancient arena, assailed by pollution in traffic-clogged Rome. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
A view of the Colosseum after the first stage of the restoration work was completed in Rome, Friday, July 1st, 2016. The Colosseum has emerged more imposing than ever after its most extensive restoration, a multi-million-euro cleaning to remove a dreary, undignified patina of soot and grime from the ancient arena, assailed by pollution in traffic-clogged Rome. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) - Sputnik International
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In ancient times, the Colosseum hosted thousands of spectators who watched slaves, condemned criminals, and wild animals fight to the death.

Italy recently unveiled a $12-million project to install a new retractable floor in Rome’s Colosseum that will restore the amphitheatre to its gladiator-era glory. 

In Roman times, the Colosseum hosted savage fights between gladiators as well as condemned criminals, enslaved men, and wild animals. The fighters and animals appeared from a labyrinth of secret tunnels beneath the arena’s floor before battling it out to the death.

 A view of the Colosseum after the first stage of the restoration work was completed in Rome, Friday, July 1st, 2016. - Sputnik International
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"We want to give an idea of how it was, and we are seeking proposals from around the world," Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum, told the Times.

She added that after the renovation, the Colosseum will host concerts and theatre productions on the new floor.

Italian officials reportedly said they hope to complete the renovation by 2023. Meanwhile, architects are welcome to send their designs for the project – the deadline is 1 February.

"[The renovation] will be a major technological intervention that will offer visitors the opportunity to not only see the underground rooms ... but also appreciate the beauty of the Colosseum while standing in the centre of the arena,” Italy's Culture Minister Dario Franceschini said, as quoted by the BBC.

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