The Roman Empire’s greatest architecture and engineering work, the Colosseum’s construction started between 70 and 72 AD, under the rule of Emperor Vespasian. The arena was remodeled and restored several times and during the Roman Empire’s existence it was mainly used for gladiator and animal fights (for example, Dio Cassius reported more than 9,000 animals killed during the inauguration ceremony). After the Roman Empire’s fall, the Colosseum’s use was changed several times, by the 12th century being a cemetery, after that used as a castle by the Frangipani family. In 1349, a major earthquake caused the South side to collapse and no important restoration process has been made since, most of the stone being used for other buildings in the area
In modern history, the Colosseum was restored, the arena substructure was excavated and the largest restoration effort was made between 1993 and 2000, at an estimated cost of $20 million. Today the Colosseum is probably Rome and Italy’s most famous landmarks, being visited by millions of tourists every year. An interesting fact about the arena is that it become a symbol of fight against the capital punishment, several demonstrations being held here, all culminating with the Italian government’s decision to change the night-time illumination from white to gold every time someone with the death penalty is being released or commuted.
How to get to the Colosseum: The site is easy to get, being located in the very popular Colosseo tourist area with most of the Roman Empire ruins (Google Maps)
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