ROME, Italy – The adage "Rome wasn't built in a day" is true, especially considering the world-famous historical monument that the Redbird men's basketball team visited on Friday morning – the Roman Colosseum.
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In fact, it took only eight years to build the enormous facility, made in large parts out of marble and granite. The squad had an in-depth tour of the Colosseum and learned many fun tidbits, including some major fact changes that director Ridley Scott had in his 2000 Gladiator movie. Of the inaccuracies to note, most gladiator battles in the heart of the Colosseum did not end in death (roughly just 10 percent), most of the battles were staged (like that of the current-day WWE), and the fact that the gladiators were free men, not slaves as portrayed in the Academy Award-winning film.
Those facts didn't curtail the excitement of the squad in seeing the inside of the Colosseum for the first time, which was a jaw-dropping moment.
"It is incredible to see so much history, and to learn the history about an arena of such magnitude, and everything that has been going on with the trip," said ISU sophomore forward Rey Idowu. "Throughout this whole trip, everything that we have been able to see is just breathtaking. It's amazing to be immersed in a new culture," said Idowu. "Whether it is food, or new experiences, languages, it's been amazing."
"It was a different experience," said junior guard Lijah Donnelly. "Coming from the United States, you don't experience something with as much history as we did. It was fun today to learn about Roman history. It's amazing to know that the Colosseum is almost 2,000 years old."
On Saturday the Redbirds face off in its first game of the trip, against Stella Azzura Basketball Academy.
"I'm looking forward to playing and winning," said Idowu. "I'm also looking forward to looking around, seeing new things, and meeting new people."
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