the colosseum was originally called the amphitheater

Right next to this site stood a giant statue of Nero of 35 meters high, called Colossus. The immense amphitheater was built on a former artificial lake which was part of Nero's huge park in the center of Rome.

The construction started in 72 AD and was finished in 80 AD under Vespasians son and successor Emperor Titus. The Colosseum, originally called 'Flavian Amphitheater' was built by Emperor Vespasian, founder of the Flavian dynasty, to entertain the people with gladiator contests and public spectacles like mock sea battles, animal hunts and public executions. Its architecture forced solutions similar to those used in modern stadiums to deal with the same problems which occur when a crowd is entering or leaving. The number of spectators it could accommodate is estimated on 60.000(!), who entered the colosseum through 80 entrances on ground level. Its elliptical structure is 189 meters long, 156 meters wide and stands almost 50 meters tall.

It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. This 'wonder of the world' survived the fall of the Empire, several earthquakes, modern day pollution and traffic vibrations. Before going to the famous Roman Colosseum, spend an hour reading about the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire and still take a guided tour(!), because there is so much to see and so much to tell. You will see how huge it really is, walk around on the different levels, take al look in the museum and take lots of pictures, OR. So you could go to Piazza del Colosseo, get in line for a ticket and explore the Colosseum on your own. Everybody knows that the Roman Colosseum is a 'must see' during a trip to Rome.

The colosseum was originally called the amphitheater