Colosseum - History, Story and Facts

The Colosseum, or the Coliseum, originally the Amphitheatrum Flavium (English: Flavian Amphitheatre, Italian Anfiteatro Flavioor Colosseo), is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, built ofconcrete and stone.

Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started in 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign (81–96). The name "Amphitheatrum Flavium" derives from both Vespasian's and Titus's family name (Flavius, from the gens Flavia).

Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit "Way of the Cross" procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.

History & Story about Colosseum

• It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.
• The Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre from its original name Amphitheatrum Flavium. The name is derived from the combination of two royal families: Vespasian and Titus.
•  It is considered as one of the finest works of Rome and is known as a symbol of Roman pride in architecture and engineering.
• Its construction started in 72 AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under the emperor’s successor, Titus. Until now, it has been standing for 1,931 years.
•  It was used for Roman entertainment such as the battles between gladiators, mock sea battles, animal hunts, and ruthless executions. It was also used as a stage for reliving well-known battles and dramas of Classical mythology.
• Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, 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. 
• The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.
• The Colosseum had a maximum capacity of 50,000 spectators during gladiator contests and other public spectacles. Some modern estimates suggest that it can accommodate up to 87,000 people.
• In the 21st century, the Colosseum stands as a symbol of Imperial Rome. 
• It is the most popular and highly visited tourist attraction in Rome. During Good Friday, this amazing structure serves as a starting point for the “Way of the Cross” procession where the Pope leads with a torch lighting ceremony.
• The measurements of the outer wall, perimeter and central arena are as follows: its outer wall measures 48 meters (157 ft. / 165 Roman feet), it has a perimeter of 545 meters (1,788 ft. / 1,835 Roman feet), and a central arena which has an oval measurement of 87 m (287 ft.) long and 55 m (180 ft.) wide, surrounded by a wall which measures 5 m (15 ft.) high.
• Due to the changes in climate, migration of birds, blooming of flowers, and the growth of Rome caused the growth of 684 species of plants during its peak, but now, the latest count has dwindled down to 200.
• The last gladiatorial fights occurred in 435 CE and the last animal hunts stopped in 523 CE. It was primarily due to the cost of procuring animals and gladiators and maintaining the expensive facility.
• Based on historical evidences, it shows that 200 bullock carts were used to transport marbles to the construction site.
• The total amount of marbles used for the construction of the Colosseum was estimated at 100,000 cubic meters.
• Receiving millions of visitors every year, the Colosseum is the most famous tourist attraction of Rome.