The Roman Colosseum, built in the 1st century AD, is one of the iconic monuments of ancient Rome. It was designed to host public events such as gladiatorial contests, mock naval battles and theatrical performances. With a capacity of between 50,000 and 80,000 people, its monumentality is reflected in its name, 'Colosseum', which means 'colossal' or 'giant'. Built by the emperors Vespasian and Titus, it was inaugurated in 80 AD with a series of spectacular games and celebrations that lasted for 100 days.

History of the Colosseum - Flavian Amphitheatre

The first great amphitheatre to be built in Rome was in the Field of Mars, built in 29 BC by the Roman consul Statilius Taurus. However, this building was destroyed by the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, which reduced the amphitheatre to ashes. After the fire, Emperor Nero appropriated much of the land to build his residence, the Domus Aurea. An artificial lagoon was also built and the aqueduct Aqua Claudia was extended to reach this area. A huge bronze statue known as the Colossus of Nero was placed at the entrance to the Domus Aurea, and the amphitheatre was named the Colosseum in honour of the statue.

When Vespasian came to power in 69 AD, he decided to give the people a new amphitheatre. Work on the Colosseum began between 70 and 72 AD. The site chosen was the same as that of the previous amphitheatre, a plain between the hills of Celio, Esquilino and Palatino, crossed by a canalised stream. Vespasian completely transformed the area, preserving the Colosseum but demolishing an important part of the Domus Aurea and filling in the lake to build the amphitheatre. To pay for the Colosseum, Vespasian used money looted from the Temple of Jerusalem.

When Vespasian died in 79, the Colosseum was completed to the third level. His son Titus completed the upper level in 80 AD and opened the amphitheatre to the public with gladiatorial fights that lasted 100 days. According to the historian Dion Cassius, it is estimated that more than 9,000 wild animals were killed during the opening games of the Colosseum. Later, Emperor Domitian, Titus' brother, oversaw some additional works and improvements to the Colosseum during his reign, such as the construction of the Velarium and the organisation of various events and games.

Pope Benedict XIV played a decisive role in the restoration of the Colosseum in the 1750s. He ordered the structure to be repaired and stabilised, removing structures added during the Middle Ages. Stabilisation and restoration works were carried out, as well as archaeological excavations to better understand the amphitheatre. In the 19th century, important excavation, restoration and conservation works were carried out to preserve the Colosseum. In the 20th century, further conservation and restoration work was carried out, including major stabilisation of the structure. During the Second World War, the Colosseum suffered some damage, but was generally well preserved thanks to the protective measures taken by the Italian authorities. After the war, restoration work was carried out to repair minor damage. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

Marcelo Gardinetti