Must-Visit: The Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum in Rome, the thirteenth stop on your Roman journey, is the largest elliptical amphitheater from ancient Rome, built between 72 and 82 AD. Now a ruin, it is located in the heart of modern-day Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is an oval-shaped amphitheater and the largest of its kind, constructed with materials such as travertine, tuff, and brick-faced concrete. It could accommodate an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, with an average of around 65,000. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian and completed during the reign of his son Titus, with further modifications by Emperor Domitian, it stands as an iconic symbol of the Roman Empire. The arena was built on the site of Emperor Nero's "Golden House" (Domus Aurea). It was a venue for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, where gladiators fought wild animals or each other to the death. According to Roman historian Cassius Dio, a 100-day celebration was held upon its completion, during which over 10,000 animals were slaughtered. The name "Colosseum" is derived from the "Colossus," a giant statue of Nero that once stood nearby. In 217 AD, the Colosseum was partially damaged by a fire caused by lightning but was restored by 238 AD. Gladiatorial contests continued until 523 AD. Earthquakes in 442 and 508 AD caused significant structural damage, and during the Middle Ages, it was further neglected and used as a fortress. In the 15th century, the papacy dismantled parts of it for building materials for churches and the Vatican. In 1749, the Roman Catholic Church declared it a sacred site, citing early Christian martyrdom, and began its preservation. Although Pope John Paul II held annual ceremonies here to honor these martyrs, there is no historical evidence of Christian martyrdom at the Colosseum. #ItalyTravelGuide #RomeItaly #Travel #ColosseumRome #Colosseum