Q&A: Dr Rossella Rea, 63, director of the Colosseum, Rome

Dr Rea is the director of the Colosseum, Rome.

Dr Rossella Rea, director of the Colosseum. Picture: Justine Walpole

Do you remember January 7, 1985? It was my first day working in the Colosseum. I was young, it was snowing and at the time the Colosseum was shut. I went in with my snow shoes on and said to myself, “Oh. My. God.” I was overwhelmed by the immensity of it. I then said to myself, “Where do I start?”

Can you describe the view from your office window? My office is built into the Colosseum. It’s the only place in the world that can boast views of the building’s insides. I look out every day on the most extraordinary structure in the world.

What is a regular work day like for you? I’m talking to 150 employees, from guides to custodians. Then I might be overseeing excavations and restorations. There are many demands to accompany important people on tours. The whole world passes through the Colosseum.

When did you fall in love with archaeology? I grew up in Naples. My father was a journalist and he would always take me to the ancient sites closer to home, such as Pompeii. Little by little the magic of these places got inside me.

What was your most memorable day on a dig? A project to extend Rome’s subway recently unearthed vast amounts of ancient treasures. We are now digging 30m under the city and in one excavation we found platters, leather shoes, everyday objects from a first-century-BC agricultural neighbourhood. The whole history of Rome is down there. We found an ancient peach tree down there in the ground with the roots still intact. Those days are very special.

You’ve curated a touring exhibition, now in Brisbane, that brings the Colosseum to life. What’s in your mind’s eye when you stand in that famous arena? I see gladiator processions. I see placards above the gladiators displaying their names and number of victories. The people condemned to death, with details of their crimes. Animals fighting animals, men fighting animals, men fighting men. Elephants and ostriches on show. Containers of deadly snakes. There is military music and 70,000 people watching; the noise is incredible. The Emperor has the best view and the Vestal Virgins stand in front of him, custodians of the sacred fire. And then there are mums and dads with their children. These were family days out, like families going to the football today.

Is it true sporting hooliganism began in the Colosseum? Supporters had their factions and they were passionate. They all had their favourites and they’d have big fights.

What can you tell us about the gladiatrices? It didn’t happen often but women sometimes participated in contests. Little is known about them. My opinion is that when it did occur it was a novelty, possibly a re-enactment of great fights.

Could Russell Crowe handle himself in a genuine contest? His method of fighting in the film Gladiator didn’t reflect what was happening in the Colosseum at the time. Russell came to the Colosseum with [Italian soccer star] Francesco Totti. Everybody was calling for Totti. I think Russell may have been disappointed that no one recognised him!

Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum is at Queensland Museum until January 28, 2018. qm.qld.gov.au