The Colosseum a.k.a. Coliseum a.k.a. Colosseo a.k.a. Flavius or Flavian Amphitheater is an elliptical structure built in 70-80 in the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and stone, it is the largest amphitheater in the world, and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. The Colosseum was constructed during the reign of three emperors known as the Flavian Dynasty, and was named in Latin for its association with their family name- Flavius. The name Colosseum (Coliseum) has been believed to be derived from the Colossus, a 130-foot (40 meters) high statue of Nero located near the amphitheater until the early Medieval Era.

The Colosseum, a bloody iconic symbol of Imperial Rome, could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, and was used for gladiatorial battles, animal hunts, and executions. Such events were occasionally on a huge scale; Trajan is said to have celebrated his victories in Dacia in 107 with contests involving 11,000 animals and 10,000 gladiators over the course of 123 days. Beneath the Colosseum, a network of subterranean passageways once used to transport wild animals and gladiators to the arena. The building stays partially ruined because of damage caused by earthquakes and stone robberies.

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The Colosseum. Rome, Italy

The Colosseum. Rome, Italy

The Colosseum. Rome, Italy

The Colosseum. Rome, Italy

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

Arch of Constantine from Colosseum

Arch of Constantine from Colosseum

Arch of Constantine. Rome, Italy

Arch of Constantine. Rome, Italy

The Colosseum. Rome, Italy

The Colosseum. Rome, Italy

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Colosseum, Coliseum, Colosseo, and Flavius

The Roman Forum view from the Colosseum. Rome, Italy

The Roman Forum view from the Colosseum. Rome, Italy