Sourced from mrsvangelista.com

The Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheater in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. The National Geographic documentary illustrates the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.

Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started in 72 AD, under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus. Further modifications were made during Domitian’s reign (81–96) which is why “Amphitheatrum Flavium” comes from both Vespasian’s and Titus’s family name.

Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Coliseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and Classical mythology dramas. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was reused for housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.

Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Coliseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is Rome’s most popular tourist attraction and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit “Way of the Cross” procession around the Coliseum.

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