The Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world today, despite its age. During ancient times Colosseum is also called Flavian Amphitheatre.

The Colosseum is built of travertine limestone, tuff (volcanic rock), and brick-faced concrete. The Colosseum could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators at various points in its history having an average audience of some 65,000. It was used for gladiatorial contests. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era.

Construction of the Colosseum began under the Roman emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 CE. The Colosseum was built as part of an imperial effort to revitalize Rome after the tumultuous year of the four emperors. By the 20th century, a combination of weather, natural disasters, neglect and vandalism had destroyed nearly two-thirds of the original Colosseum.

The Colosseum is also depicted on the Italian version of the five-cent euro coin. On 7 July 2007 the Colosseum became one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Each year 6 million tourists visit the Colloseum.

Italy

Colosseum