The Colosseum is a huge amphitheatre in the center of Rome. It is both an architectural wonder and a proof for the cruelty of the Roman Empire. It was the stage for many gladiator shows, animal hunts and other popular happenings during the reign of the Roman Empire.

Originally, the Colosseum was able to hold between 45000 and 50000 spectators. The Rome Colosseum was in use for nearly 500 years.

One of the most popular spectacles that was immensely popular among the population were gladiator contests where professional swordsmen (gladiators) were fighting against each other or against criminals. These fights often ended with death, both for the gladiators or the criminals or whoever they were fighting against in the Colosseum.

Another very popular event were animal hunts. These included many wild animals, that were often imported from Africa to fight against gladiators. Animals included tigers, elephants, rhinos and many other dangerous animals.

Also, the Colosseum was used to reenact famous battles for the enjoyment of the public. Also, stories from classical mythology were reenacted.

The Colosseum is the most recognizable of all the classical buildings of the Roman Empire. Even after 2000 years it is an astonishing fact how many features modern sport arena designers could learn from this stadium. With 80 entrances, it was possible for all of the 50000 spectators to come and leave the arena in just minutes.

Originally, the Colosseum was known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. The name Colosseum was added much later when it was rebuilt. The whole Colosseum arena covers 6 acres.

The Colosseum even had an underground level that was not visible from the arena where the gladiators and wild animals were kept in cages before their performance.

During the opening ceremonies of the Colosseum, that lasted for about 100 days, 2000 gladiators were killed and hundreds of animals. These kind of spectacles were outlawed 404AD, even though the animal fights kept going for another hundred years.