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Location Information:
The
Colosseum or Roman Coliseum,
originally the Flavian Amphitheatre
is an elliptical amphitheatre in the
center of the city of Rome, Italy,
the largest ever built in the Roman
Empire. It is considered one of the
greatest works of Roman architecture
and Roman 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 (81–96). The
name "Amphitheatrum Flavium" derives
from both Vespasian's and Titus's
family name (Flavius, from the gens
Flavia).
Capable of seating 50,000
spectators, the Colosseum
was used for gladiatorial contests
and public spectacles. As well as
the gladiatorial games, 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. The building
ceased to be used for entertainment
in the early medieval era. It was
later reused for such purposes as
housing, workshops, quarters for a
religious order, a fortress, a
quarry, and a Christian shrine.
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