Colosseum: The Whole Story

Rome is the most famous city in the world. Millions of tourists each year come to visit the Vatican, heart of the Catholic faith, and admire Rome's ancient ruins. But it is the Colosseum that is perhaps their favourite stop: the iconic heart of the Roman Empire, where heroes were made and broken.
But it is not the first gladiatorial arena to be built in Italy, nor the only one to be restored for modern use. This documentary takes the viewer to ancient Rome's very first arena – the overlooked crumbling ruins of Capua, as well as to the modern concert venue of the arena in Verona, where engineers carefully monitor seismic and sound vibrations, testament to how proper management can make these stunning venues available for public entertainment today. The program talks to experts who explain how 2000 years of human drama have left their mark on the stone, brick and mortar of this iconic arena. Scientists and engineers are interviewed as they carefully wash and repair the Colosseum facade thanks to a controversial public-private partnership involving the Italian fashion house Tod's.
But returning the Colosseum to its ancient glory is no small task. Scaffolding stretches 55 meters up to the top of one of the Eternal City's best viewpoints. Restorers work around the clock to strip away centuries of grime, revealing new details every day that help shed light on life in ancient Rome.
This fascinating two-part mini-series documents the unprecedented three-year 25 million euro archeological renovation of the 2000-year-old monument. Shot in full HD on location in Rome, Verona, Capua and Tivoli, the program features dramatic reconstructions of gladiatorial battles and in-depth interviews with engineers, archeologists, historians, architects as well as Diego Della Valle, the maverick shoe mogul and Italian fashion designer who is footing the bill for the restoration.
It is the only documentary to tell the whole story of both the Colosseum's fascinating history and contemporary renovation. (texte officiel du distributeur)