Colosseum, Rome
The Colosseum or Coliseum, originally the Flavian
Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium,Italian Anfiteatro
Flavio or Colosseo), is an eliptical amphitheatre in the centre of
the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman
Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and
engineering.Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its
construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor
Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further
modifications being made during Domitian's reign. Originally
capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used
for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It remained in use
for nearly 500 years with the last recorded games being held there
as late as the 6th century— well after the traditional date of the
fall of Rome in 476. As well as the traditional gladiatorial games,
many other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea
battles, animal hunts, executions,
re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical
mythology.