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The Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo
25 minutes
About this landmark
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome. Built of travertine limestone, tuff, and brick-faced concrete, it was the largest amphitheatre ever built at the time and held 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, Titus. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.
Audio Guide
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Highlights
- 1The arena floor where gladiators fought
- 2The hypogeum - underground chambers where animals and gladiators waited
- 3The seating arrangement that reflected Roman social hierarchy
- 4The innovative engineering that allowed for quick filling and emptying of the arena