The Colosseum
or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium; Italian: Anfiteatro Flavio or Colosseo) is an elliptical amphitheatre
in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and stone, it was
the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, and is considered one of the greatest
works of Roman architecture and engineering. It is the largest amphitheatre in
the world.
The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum.
Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in 70 AD, and was completed in
80 AD under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made
during the reign of Domitian (81–96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian
dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their
family name (Flavius).
The Colosseum could hold, it is estimated, between 50,000
and 80,000 spectators, and 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.
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 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.
The Colosseum, like all the Historic Centre of Rome,
Properties of the Holy See in Italy and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the
Walls, was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. In 2007 the
complex was also included among the New7Wonders of the World, following a
competition organized by New Open World Corporation (NOWC).
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum
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