The construction of the Coliseum, undoubtedly the monument that
best represents Rome, began under the rule of Emperor Vespasian
in 75 AC near the small lake in the grounds of the Domus Aurea
palace.
Travertine, a calcareous rock commonly used as a building material
in Ancient Rome, is the stone that makes up the façade
of the Coliseum, which measures 57 metres in height and features
four tiers of arcades. The arena inside measured around 76 by
46 metres and could seat an estimated 45,000 people. Two balconies
were erected on the curves, along the shorter sides, for the Imperial
family and top magistrates and priests.
The Coliseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre
and used for various forms of gladiatorial and two-armed combat.
The building as we now know it is what remained after the powerful
earthquakes (in 442 AC and 508 AC) that brought down two orders
of the Coliseum. It was then restored under the rule of Several
Popes and has therefore been preserved.
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