The Secret Engineering of Rome's COLOSSEUM

In this exclusive episode of "Colosseum: The Whole Story," go behind the scenes of a massive €25 million restoration project financed through a controversial public-private partnership with luxury shoemaker Diego Della Valle. Meet Dr. Conti and her team of expert restorers as they scrub centuries of black soot from the white travertine facade, map deep cracks, and combat ongoing threats from underground rivers, metro lines, and seismic activity. Trace the arena's history from its rapid 10-year construction under Emperor Vespasian and his sons to the lavish 100-day inaugural games of Titus and Trajan’s massive 120-day spectacles. Explore the ingenious system of barrel vaults, retractable wooden staging, and underground trap doors that acted as a master illusion machine for gladiators and wild beasts. Will modern restoration save this iconic wonder before the legendary prophecy comes true?