For The First Time In 2,000 years, Visitors Can Walk The Hidden Route of Roman Rulers

For most people, visiting the Colosseum is already a powerful dive into the past. But now, stepping into ancient Rome is about to feel even more real.

A new section, once reserved only for emperors, is opening to the public for the first time in nearly two thousand years. It isn’t just another tourist route; it’s a once-secret imperial passage that once carried rulers directly into the heart of the arena, unseen by the crowds.

Beginning on October 27, visitors will be able to walk through what is now officially called the “Commodus Passage.” Named after Emperor Commodus, who ruled from 180 to 192 A.D., this corridor served as a private, secure route straight to the imperial honor box.

It's the place where emperors could arrive without being seen, stepping into the arena in full control of the spectacle below, from gladiator clashes to elaborate hunts. Walking through it today means literally tracing the same hidden path used by rulers nearly 2,000 years ago.

Over the past year, from October 2024 to September 2025, the passage underwent intensive conservation work. Structural reinforcement was necessary to ensure visitor safety, but the restoration team went further.

Decorative elements, such as ancient stucco and plaster, were carefully brought back to life. A new walkway was installed to allow easy passage, and a lighting system was designed to mimic the way natural light once filtered through small openings in the vaulted ceiling centuries ago.

According to archaeologists from the Colosseum Archaeological Park, the passage wasn’t just a practical route; it was a symbol of imperial power. Moving unseen through the shadows, emperors could suddenly appear before the crowd in their private box, reinforcing their aura of divinity.

A Route with Drama Attached

For Commodus, this passage had special significance. Historical accounts claim he wasn’t just an observer of the games; he fancied himself a gladiator, participating in staged fights. He was obsessed with the arena, so having a private, protected route would have been important to him.

But secrecy didn’t guarantee safety. Records indicate there was an attempted assassination on Commodus as he moved through this very tunnel, an attempt that ultimately failed but adds a darker edge to the corridor’s past.

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The passage did not remain hidden forever. It was rediscovered in the 1810s, during early archaeological explorations of the Colosseum. Over time, more decorative fragments were found near its entrance, each telling a story of the violent entertainment held in the amphitheatre, with images linked to events such as boar hunts, bear fights, and acrobatic shows that preceded the bloodier gladiator matches.

What remains unclear even today is the full route. The passage is S-shaped and extends outward from the arena, but its ultimate destination remains unknown. In a place as layered as Rome, some mysteries simply remain buried, for now.

Experts suggest that engaging visitors with interactive experiences can enhance their understanding of ancient Rome. Dr. Steven Tuck, an archaeologist, advises that integrating technology, like augmented reality, can provide deeper insights into the daily lives of gladiators and emperors.

Such methods can transform a simple tour into an immersive historical experience, allowing visitors to explore the social dynamics of ancient Rome in a more meaningful way. This approach not only enriches visitor engagement but also promotes a greater appreciation for historical preservation efforts.

A Walk in Imperial Shoes

“Visitors can now have a taste of what it was like to be an emperor entering the arena,” said Barbara Nazzaro, the architect who led the restoration.

She explained that, with a bit of imagination and the help of virtual reconstruction, people can picture how the passage originally appeared, complete with richly colored frescoes, polished marble, and intricate wall decorations.

A digital reconstruction will accompany the new tour route, helping visitors visualize how dramatically the space once glowed with imperial luxury before time stripped it down to stone.

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More to Come

The project isn’t over yet. A second phase of restoration is scheduled to begin in early 2026, focusing on the section of the tunnel that extends beyond the Colosseum.

This upcoming work may help clarify more about where the passage led and how it integrated with the broader imperial infrastructure surrounding the arena.

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Historical Significance of the Commodus Passage

Dr. Mary Beard, a renowned classicist, emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of the newly opened Commodus Passage. According to her insights, this passage illustrates the power dynamics of ancient Rome, where emperors maneuvered behind the scenes to maintain control over the public spectacle of the Colosseum.

Access to such areas was limited to elite figures, reinforcing social hierarchies. The restoration of this passage offers not just a glimpse into imperial life, but an opportunity to engage with the complexities of Roman governance and entertainment.

Most attractions in Rome are steeped in history, but few offer such a direct, physical experience of power. This is not simply walking beside history; it is walking where emperors did, moving through a space designed for secrecy, security, and spectacle.

As the Colosseum continues to reveal its hidden layers, this passage stands out as one of the most personal connections to the rulers who shaped the city, and to the dangers they faced, even in the shadows.

Practical Steps for Healing

The opening of the Commodus Passage represents a significant milestone in historical tourism, merging education with experience. As visitors traverse this ancient route, they connect with the past in a visceral way that traditional displays often fail to capture.

Experts like Dr. Beard and Dr. Tuck illustrate how such initiatives can not only preserve history but also engage the public in meaningful dialogue about its implications. By embracing innovative approaches to historical education, we ensure that the lessons of the past remain relevant and accessible for future generations.