Colosseum

Rome, Lazio, Italy

---

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is a massive ancient amphitheater built between 70 and 80 AD under the rule of Emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. It was constructed on the site of Nero's former artificial lake as a symbolic gesture to return the land to the Roman people.

The structure, made primarily of travertine stone, tuff, and concrete, is an oval-shaped freestanding building designed with a complex system of vaults and columns showcasing the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. It could hold around 50,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public spectacles. The Colosseum represented the engineering prowess of ancient Rome and was funded with spoils from the Jewish War.

Despite damage from natural disasters and neglect over centuries, it remains an iconic symbol of Roman architecture and continues to attract millions of visitors annually.