What mechanism was used to lift animals from the hypogeum?

Elevators were used to lift animals from the Colosseum’s hypogeum into the arena. The hypogeum was a subterranean network of tunnels, cages and service areas beneath the wooden arena floor, where animals, gladiators and scenery were kept out of sight.

The lifting system used vertical shafts, platforms, pulleys and other mechanical equipment. Caged animals could be raised suddenly through trapdoors, creating the dramatic impression that they appeared from nowhere. Larger platforms, known as hegmata, were designed to bring especially large animals or scenery into the arena. The machinery required crews working below the arena to coordinate the releases.

“Cranes” can sound like a plausible alternative because Roman engineers used lifting devices widely, but the Colosseum’s animal-launching system is specifically described as elevators operated with pulleys. Staircases and ramps connected parts of the hypogeum and allowed people and equipment to move around, but they were not the main mechanism for raising animals directly into the arena.