Colosseum 🇮🇹

The Colosseum is an ancient elliptical amphitheatre situated in the center of Rome, Italy, immediately east of the Roman Forum. Positioned in a low valley surrounded by the Caelian, Esquiline, and Palatine Hills, it is celebrated as the largest standing amphitheatre in the world. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre after the ruling imperial dynasty, construction was initiated around 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian on land previously seized by Emperor Nero for his private estate and artificial lake. The structure reached its third story by Vespasian's death in 79 AD, was finished by his heir Titus in 80 AD, and underwent further modifications under Emperor Domitian.

Built from travertine limestone, volcanic rock known as tuff, brick-faced concrete, and timber, the venue could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, averaging roughly 65,000 attendees. In Roman antiquity, the complex hosted a variety of public spectacles, including gladiatorial combats, wild animal hunts, executions, historical battle reenactments, dramas based on mythology, and brief mock sea battles. Emperor Domitian added a top gallery to boost seating capacity alongside the hypogeum, an intricate system of underground tunnels used to hold animals and slaves beneath the arena floor.

Public entertainment at the amphitheatre came to an end during the early medieval period, leading to diverse repurposing of the space. Over the following centuries, the structure was converted to hold private residences, craft workshops, a fortress for the Frangipani family, and quarters for a Catholic religious order. The monument suffered major structural loss from fires and natural disasters, including a devastating earthquake in 1349 that caused its outer southern side to collapse. Tumbled stones, marble, and iron clamps were repeatedly removed for construct projects across Rome until Pope Benedict XIV consecrated the site in 1749.

Today, the Colosseum is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Rome and is designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Visitors can explore the exposed subterranean hypogeum level and observe the historic outer shell, which is depicted on the Italian five euro cent coin. The landmark retains significant religious and civic roles; every Good Friday, the Pope leads a torchlit procession around the site, and the structure's nighttime illumination is periodically altered from white to gold to honor global milestones in the movement against the death penalty.

Colosseum in pictures