The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is the greatest amphitheatre in Rome, Italy which was built about 1920 years ago. It is an architectural wonder of the Roman Empire. It is the largest building and standing evidence of the grandeur and cruelty of the Roman Empire.

The Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre after the Flavian Dynasty. It was constructed under the emperor Vespasian and was completed under Titus in 80 AD. Later it got the name the Colosseum which was derived from the Greek word ‘Kolossos’ which means ‘huge statue’ as there was a massive statue of Nero near the Amphitheatre.

The Colosseum is the elliptical building measuring 188m in length, 156m in width and 48m in height. Its base area is 6 acres.  The Colosseum could accommodate about 55,000 spectators and had about 80 entrances. There were three floors of arcades built in travertine lime stone and a fourth storey with windows. The Colosseum was made out of tuff, concrete, marble and 300 tons of iron. About 200 bullock carts were used to transport marbles to the construction site. About 100,000 cubic meters of travertine limestone was used.

 It was the great public entertainment center.  It was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions and enactment of famous battles. Later, it was used for housing, workshops, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.

Two-third of the Colosseum stays ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes, fires caused by lightening and stone-robbers. Diego Della Valle, founder of Tod’s shoe firm, has gone into an agreement with the local officials to sponsor a €25 million restoration of the Colosseum.