Colosseum

Overall: One of the most recognizable structures in the world, the Roman Colosseum is the largest
building remaining from Roman times. The construction of this giant amphitheatre which means
“theatre with seats on all sides” was begun stimes between 70-72 CE during the reign of Vespasian.

Historical background : The great Flavian Amphitheatre, or Colosseum, in Rome was erected by the
emperors Vespasian and Titus (c. 70–82 CE) on the site of the Golden House of Nero. It was built as part
of an imperial effort to revitalize Rome after the tumultuous year of the four emperors, 69 CE. As with
other amphitheatres, the emperor Vespasian intended the Colosseum to be an entertainment venue,
hosting thousands of hand-to-hand combats between gladiators, of contests between men and animals,
and of many larger combats, including mock naval engagements. Also, in medieval times, the Colosseum
was used as a church, then as a fortress by two prominent Roman families, the Frangipane and the
Annibaldi.

Current sitation : By the 20th century, nearly two-thirds of the original building had been destroyed.
Nevertheless, a restoration project began in the 1990s to repair the Colosseum. Today it is one of
modern-day Rome's most popular tourist attractions, as well as an iconic symbol of Rome and its long,
tumultuous history, hosting millions of visitors a year.

Of course, the Colosseum was damaged by lightning and earthquakes and, even more severely, by
vandalism and pollution. All the marble seats and decorative materials disappeared, as the site was
treated as little more than a quarry for more than 1,000 years. So that you cannot enjoy completely
what it was in past, tho you can go inside the Colosseum with a valid ticket.

Future development : Italy has revealed its plan to rebuild Colloseum’s floor in 2021 and they will
complete that project within 2023. The new, hi-tech stage will be able to quickly cover or uncover the
underground networks below, allowing them to be protected from the rain or to be aired out.