Pop-Up Roman Colosseum School Project

Have your students (or yourself) been looking for a fun project to do? Well here is a printable pop-up Colosseum from ancient Rome! It's perfect for students and people learning about Rome and even good as just a decoration around your home or classroom. It is very simple and will be a lot of fun to do. You got this!

(Sorry about the low quality images.)

1. Printable template (below)
2. Construction paper (optional)
3. Coloring supplies
4. Glue
5. Cutting tool

The first step is to print out the template above, and start to decorate your Colosseum. If you don't have a printer you can trace the PDF and go from there!

(Trace by turning your device's brightness to the max. Next, place paper on the screen and color in the lines with a pen or pencil.)

You don't have to try and be the same as the original, color your Colosseum any way you want!

To cut out the template, cut along the black line. Do NOT cut the dotted line! This will be used later. Also do not cut the red line yet. If you are having trouble cutting, try using a craft scalpel. You can find these pretty cheap at stores. Just remember to be EXTRA careful when using a knife! When you are all done cutting cut the red line to the end of the paper!

Remember the dotted lines? Well, here's where they come in! Once you are done cutting, fold the dotted line BOTH directions once per fold. From there you will be able to start seeing it come together. If you are unsure about a folds final direction, wait until the end and come back to it! Make sure not to rip the paper as well. If you want to add a colorful base to the bottom of your Colosseum, read on to the final step! If not, thanks for making with JollyBean!

If you want to add some extra pizzazz to your Colosseum, you can glue some construction paper to the base as shown in the steps below:

1. Fold the construction paper in half lengthwise
2. Glue or tape the Colosseum (Mine got messed up.🥲)
3. If you like you can draw or print out a background. (I didn't put one on!)
4. Admire your hard work!

Thanks again! Hope you like this fun project! Read on for some fun facts about the REAL Colosseum!

Fun Facts:

1. Original Name: It was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, named after the dynasty of emperors (Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian) who built it.
2. Built on a Lake: The massive structure sits on what was once a private man-made lake belonging to the infamous Emperor Nero.
3. Mock Sea Battles: In its early years, the arena could be flooded with water to stage elaborate naval battles called naumachia.
4. Retractable Roof: To protect Romans from the sun, a giant canvas awning called the velarium was operated by specially trained sailors.
5. The "Vomit" Entrances: The exits were called vomitoria, derived from the Latin word for "to spew forth," because they allowed thousands of people to exit the stadium in just minutes.
6. Free Admission: Entrance was free for all Roman citizens, and emperors often provided free food to gain popularity.