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The Romans flooded the Colosseum for sea battles - Janelle Peters

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Starting in 80 CE, residents of Rome and visitors from across the Roman Empire would fill the stands of the Colosseum to see gladiators duel, animals fight and chariots race around the arena. And for the grand finale, water poured into the arena basin, submerging the stage for the greatest spectacle of all: staged naval battles. Janelle Peters details the history of these mock maritime encounters.

Why do you think the naval battles in the Colosseum were so popular?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Janelle Peters
  • Director Brett Underhill
  • Narrator Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Animator Brett Underhill
  • Designer Brett Underhill
  • Music Brett Underhill
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Script Editor Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Francisco Diez

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