The Colosseum, also known as Flaviano Amphitheater, owes its name to the Latin expression Colosseum (or Coliseus in late Latin), due to the colossal statue of Nero that stood nearby

The Colosseum, also known as Flaviano Amphitheater, is named after the Latin expression Colosseum, because of the colossal statue of Nero that stood nearby.

Its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus.It is located in the center of Rome.

The Colosseum was originally capable of accommodating 50,000 people and it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacle for about 500 years.

It took between 8 to 10 years to be built and is the largest building ever built in the Roman Empire.

In our century it is partially ruined, due to damage caused by earthquakes and stone-robbers.

It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions The Colosseum is also depicted on the Italian version of the five-cent euro coin.

sx

The Colosseum of Rome