Colosseum

Attribution:

Jordi C

Key Dates

Construction started between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD, with further modifications made circa 81-96. In 217, the Colosseum was badly damaged by a major fire and not fully repaired until about 240. The arena was used for contests into the 6th century, with gladiatorial fights last mentioned around 435 and animal fights last mentioned about 523. An earthquake in 1349 caused the collapse of parts of the outer facade, and it wasn't repaired until works in 1831, 1846 and the 1930s. Excavation of the Colosseum's substructure was carried out from 1810–1814 and in 1874 before finally being fully exposed during the rule of Mussolini in the 1930s.

Rome

Italy

Key People

Construction was begun under the emperor Vespasian and completed under Titus.

The Romans built many arenas throughout their empire, but none as large (it could seat 50,000 people - more than many modern stadiums) or as awe-inspiring and famous as the Colosseum - also known as the Roman Coliseum and originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre. At its peak it staged legendary gladiatorial fights, macabre executions and spectacular public games. As the centuries wore on and it fell out of use as a centre of mass entertainment, its uses became much less prestigious - it functioned as a workshop for a period, then later as a Christian shrine and at stages even as a defensive fortress.
It stands partially ruined today, hobbled by earthquakes and stone robbers. But it remains an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, and one of the most popular and recognisable tourist attractions in Italy and the world.

Admission Fee

Full €9.00; reduced € 4.50; free under 18 and over 65 years old.

Related Websites

Turismo Roma

Events

Past