Colosseum

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Construction began under the Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty around 70–72 AD and was completed under his son Titus in 80 AD. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96 AD).

The Colosseum was capable of holding an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles (for only a short time as the hypogeum was soon constructed beneath the arena floor), animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval period.

Despite damage caused by earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum remains an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and has links to the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit "Way of the Cross" procession that begins in the area around the Colosseum.

The name "Colosseum" is believed to derive from a colossal statue of Nero that stood nearby. The statue was later remodeled by Vespasian into one of the sun god Sol.