The Colosseum

About The Colosseum

The Colosseum is an ancient amphitheater located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It was built during the rule of Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son Titus in 80 AD. The monument was mainly used for gladiator fights, animal hunts, and public shows that entertained Roman citizens. Made of stone and concrete, the Colosseum could hold around 50,000 spectators at a time. Today, it stands as one of the greatest symbols of ancient Rome and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Shocking Truth

It is believed that thousands of slaves and prisoners were forced to build the Colosseum under harsh conditions. Many of them lost their lives during the construction due to the heavy labor and dangerous work. Some historians also say that more than 500,000 people and one million animals were killed in the brutal games held inside the arena. The Colosseum, though a symbol of Roman glory, also reminds us of the cruelty and suffering of the ancient times.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the monument are:

  • Length: 189 meters (615 feet)
  • Width: 156 meters (510 feet)
  • Height: 48 meters (157 feet)
  • Perimeter: 545 meters (1,788 feet)
  • Seating capacity: Around 50,000-80,000 spectators

Some Interesting Facts

Interesting facts of The Colosseum are:

  1. The Colosseum was built by over 60,000 Jewish slaves during the Roman Empire.
  2. It could hold around 50,000 to 80,000 spectators at a time.
  3. The arena had a special underground area called the hypogeum, where animals and gladiators were kept before the fights.
  4. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  5. Despite being nearly 2,000 years old, parts of the Colosseum still stand strong today.