Rome's Colosseum, the giant arena where gladiators fought and mock naval battles were staged has been without a floor since the 19th century. That's about to change, as Rome has earmarked over €18 million to restore the floor.
The floor was removed by archeologists to expose the area below where scenery, props, animals and combatants were kept. That area would become a museum under the new floor. Once the new floor is completed, the mayor of Rome has suggested, modern-day cultural events could be staged there.
That becomes a real possibility because of other restoration work being done in the arena, funded by €25 million given by billionaire Diego Della Valle. That work, begun in 2013, is to be finished next year.
The funds earmarked by the city come from a total fund of €80 put up by Italy's culture ministry. Other grant recipients include an extension of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Museum of Ancient Ships in Pisa.
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