Begun in the early years of Vespasian's reign (from 72 AD), it was completed by his son, Titus. Deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights were staged free of charge by the emperor and wealthy citizens for public viewing. The Colosseum was built to a practical design, with its 80 arched entrances allowing easy access to 55,000 spectators, but it is also a of great beauty. The drawing here shows how it looked at the time of its opening in AD 80.

During its inauguration in 80 AD, which lasted for a hundred days, five thousand wild animals slaughtered. The last time the Coliseum in known to have been used in the reign of Theodoric, in 523 AD.

Although it is not certain that Christians were martyred there, in the 19th century a way of the Cross was set up around the arena in their honor, where the Pope still prays every year at Easter.

The Colosseum's consecration to the Christian martyrs put an end to the pillaging of hits marble and travertine, which had been going on since the Middle Ages.

It was one of several similar amphitheatres built in the Roman Empire, and some survive at El Djem in North Africa, Nimes and Arles in France and Verona in northern Italy. Despite being damaged over the years by neglect and theft, it remains a majestic sight.

On the right, between Via di San Gregorio and Piazza del Colosseo, is visible the "Arch of Constantine".