The Coloseum

(about Rome, Italy, added on Apr 30, 2009)

The Coloseum is the largest and famous Roman amphitheater ever existing. The construction began in the year 72 after Christ during Emperor Vespasian and lasted 500 years.The monument has a length of 189 m, 156 m width, and its height is approximately 47 m. It was designed in 4 levels, the top 3 formed of 80 arches each, and the higher by windows. The indoor arena where the battles took place between gladiators and animals was a pit surrounded by high walls designed to protect the public out. It is assumed that the Coloseum tribunes had a capacity of hosting about 50000 people. Unfortunately with the passing of the years they have been damaged due to neglect and earthquakes. In 404 fights were banned between gladiators, and 523 dates the last fight with animals.