<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> The Colosseum </Td> </Tr> <P> The Colosseum or Coliseum (/ kɒləˈsiːəm / kol - ə - SEE - əm), also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium; Italian: Anfiteatro Flavio (aŋfiteˈaːtro ˈflaːvjo) or Colosseo (kolosˈsɛːo)), is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy . Built of travertine, tuff, and brick - faced concrete, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built . The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum . Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus . Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81--96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius). </P> <P> The Colosseum could hold, it is estimated, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, having an average audience of some 65,000; it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles (for only a short time as the hypogeum was soon filled in with mechanisms to support the other activities), animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology . The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era . It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine . </P> <P> Although partially ruined because of damage caused by earthquakes and stone - robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome . It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and also has links to the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit "Way of the Cross" procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum . </P>

When was the last time the colosseum was used