The Colosseum is the world’s largest amphitheatre and is located in Rome, the capital of Italy. Originally known as the Arena, the amphitheatre later took its name from the statue at its entrance. Derived from the Ancient Greek word ‘kolossos’, meaning a large statue or giant, the Colosseum was built during the reign of the Flavian dynasty. For this reason, it is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre or simply the Amphitheatre. Construction of the Colosseum, initiated by Emperor Vespasian between AD 70–72 (or AD 73–75 according to some sources), was completed on 21 April AD 80 during the reign of Titus, and further alterations to the building’s structure were made during the reign of Domitian, Vespasian’s other son.
As a historical monument, the amphitheatre’s structure reflects the architectural and construction concepts of the early Imperial period. The Colosseum was built using a variety of materials, including travertine limestone, tuff (volcanic rock), timber and brick-clad concrete. The Colosseum, which hosted spectacles for between 50,000 and 87,000 spectators, has an elliptical plan. It is 189 metres (615 ft) long and 156 metres (510 ft) wide. The floor area is 24,000 square metres (6 acres), whilst the height of the outer wall is 48 metres (157 ft). Its circumference was originally measured at 545 metres (1,788 ft). The central arena is an ellipse 87 m (287 ft) long and 55 m (180 ft) wide, surrounded by a 5 m (15 ft) high wall from which the seating tiers rise.
The Colosseum, with its magnificent architecture, has 80 entrances at ground level. Of these, 76 were used by the public. The main entrance on the north side was reserved for the Roman Emperor and his entourage. The other three axial entrances were most likely used by the elite. Entrances, exits and staircases were numbered. Spectators were issued numbered tickets in the form of pottery shards, which directed them to the appropriate section and row. This allowed them to reach their seats with ease.
The amphitheatre boasted not only a fascinatingly complex architecture but also remarkably sophisticated stage machinery. Ancient writers recorded that, in the early days following its opening, the Colosseum was used for simulated naval battles. Accounts of the opening games organised by Titus in AD 80 also mention that part of the structure was flooded with water to showcase specially trained swimming horses and bulls. Gladiatorial combats were last held in 438, whilst animal hunts continued until 523. In the early Middle Ages, the Colosseum ceased to be used for entertainment and continued to serve various purposes, such as providing accommodation and workspaces. Within the amphitheatre stands the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà al Colosseo, a Catholic place of worship. The first definitive records of the church’s existence, likely founded between the 6th and 7th centuries, date back to the 14th century. Between 1938 and 1939, the arena’s underground structures were fully excavated and partially altered through reconstruction work.
The Colosseum boasts a rich and well-documented botanical history. Since Domenico Panaroli compiled the first catalogue of the Colosseum’s plants in 1643, 684 species have been identified there. The amphitheatre, of great historical significance, has featured in numerous films, works of art and plays. Indeed, several architectural works have been constructed inspired by the Colosseum. Included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980, the amphitheatre was also shortlisted in a competition held on 7 July 2007 to select the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Colosseum is one of the major tourist attractions, open to visitors on a regular basis as an archaeological monument, and is entrusted to the Colosseum Archaeological Park. It is directly managed and protected by the Park. Consequently, the sole body responsible for ticket sales is the Colosseum Archaeological Park.