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The Roman Coliseum

The Colosseum is an amphitheater of the Roman Empire period, built in the first century in the city center of Rome. Originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre (AmphitheatrumFlavium), in honor of Flavia Dynasty emperors who built it, and called for a large statue Colosseum located next to it, the Colossus of Nero, not currently conserved. For its architectural features,condition and history, the Colosseum is one of the most famous monuments of classical antiquity. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980 as one of the New Seven Wonders of the ModernWorld on July 7, 2007.

In ancient times had a capacity for 50,000 spectators, with eighty rows of bleachers. Those near the arena were the Emperor and the Senate, and as they stood were the lowerstrata of society. In the Coliseum were held gladiator fights and public spectacles. It is built just east of the Roman Forum, and construction started between 70 d. C. and 72 d. C., under command ofEmperor Vespasian. The amphitheater, which was the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, was completed in 80 d. C. by Emperor Titus, and was amended during the reign of Domitian. His inaugurationlasted 100 days, participating in her whole Roman people dying in their celebration and dozens of gladiators and wild beasts who gave their lives for the pleasure and entertainment of the people.The Colosseum was used for almost 500 years, celebrating the last games of history in the sixth century, much later than the traditional date of the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 d. C. Justas gladiator fights, many other public spectacles were held here, as Naumaquias, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on classical mythology. The building ceasedto be used for these purposes in the early Middle Ages. It was later reused as shelter, factory, home of a religious order, strength and quarry. From its ruins extracted abundant material for the...