The Coliseum

Rome`s great amphitheater, commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian in AD 72, was built on the marshy site of a lake in the grounds of Nero`s palace. It is likely that the arena took its name, not from its own size, but from that of an enormous statue, the Colossus of Nero, that stood nearby.

The Coliseum was the site of deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights, staged free of charge by the emperor and wealthy citizens. It was built to a very practical design, its 80 entrances allowing easy access for 55000 spectators. Excavations in the 19th century exposed a network of rooms under the arena, from which animals could be released.

The four tiers of the outside walls were built on differing styles. The lower three are arched: the bottom with Doric columns, the next with Ionic, and the third with Corinthian. The top level supported a huge awning, used to shade spectators from the sun.

Now this magneficant building still gives us a majestic sight despite centuries of damages and neglect.