Already commonly called the Coliseum during the Medieval era, perhaps because of the colossal statue of Nero or for its colossal dimensions, it is considered the symbol of the eternity of Rome.
It was Begun by Vespasian in 72 A.D., on the spot of the small lake of Nero, and completed by Titus in 80 AD with profits from the victory against the Jews on the destruction of Jerusalem.
The festivities lasted 100 days, which witnessed the death of many gladiators during combat and over 5,000 animals. The work was completed by Domitian, with the construction of the last order of the cavea.
In 1349 it was reconstructed several times when the Frangipane (Italian nobility) transformed it into a fortress. Later, it passed over to Hannibal and became a travertine quarry used for the building of new structures of which include Saint Peter's and Palazzo Venezia.
In the eighteenth century, the pope had it consecrated to the Passion of Jesus and declared the ground sacred due to the blood which was shed by the martyrs. It is certain that capital punishment took place there.
Its round form has a diameter of 188 m and was built on 3 stories and surmounted with arches on pillars with half- columns of three orders; Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
A fourth order formed the attic with large ledges, which were used to support the awnings which protected spectators from the sun.
Materials used were travertine, calcareous tufa, brick and stucco with the interior in marble.
Three hundred tons of steel were used for rods connecting the huge blocks. Still visible on the entrance arcade are the numbers that regulated seating in the Amphitheater with a seating capacity of 50 to 75,000 spectators.