Colosseum

1. The Colosseum (the Flavian Amphitheatre) is located in the centre of Rome, Italy.
2. It is an amphitheatre and the main monument of Rome.
3. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in 70 AD, and was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir Titus. These emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius).
4. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre in the world. It is an ancient building built of concrete and stone.
5. The Roman architects and builders designed the Colosseum to provide the biggest arena in the world capable of holding between 50,000 - 80,000 people. It 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 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 torch lit  "Way of the Cross" procession  that starts in the area around the Colosseum.
6. 100,000 prisoners were bought back to Rome as slaves after the Jewish War and built this monument.
7. These impressions and feelings are long lasting. It surprised me how beautiful and extremely magnificent the Colosseum is.