The Colosseum is an amphitheater in Rome where chariot races, gladiator games and animal hunts were held until the 5th century. The elliptical, three-story structure is 620 feet long, 156 feet wide and 152 feet tall. It was constructed with 80 arches in each story. The Colosseum is considered to be an important structure because of its architectural qualities and historical significance.
Beginning
The Colosseum was started by Emperor Vespasian, of the Flavia family, in 71 A.D. The building was completed during the reign of the emperor Domitian, Vespasian's younger son, in 81 A.D. Originally the Colosseum was known as the "Flavian Amphitheater." The building was constructed on the site of the previous emperor Nero's former home. Emperor Nero had constructed an amphitheater in Campus Martis that held larger crowds, but it is believed to have been destroyed during the Great Fire of Rome in 64 A.D.
First Games
The Colosseum was dedicated before the building was finished, in 80 A.D. during the reign of Vespasian's oldest son Titus. After the dedication, the first games were held in the Colosseum for 100 days. During the first games, gladiator matches and animal hunts were held. About 9,000 animals were killed during these games. During the gladiator fights, thousands of people were killed.
Structure
The Colosseum was built with a number of sections, which were organized by social class. It was designed to hold 50,000 spectators. The podium area had marble seats and boxes for the imperial court, including the emperor and city officials. The second tier of seats was designed for the common people. The highest tier of seats was designed for women. There were four ludi, or prisons, near the Colosseum where gladiators trained for battle.
Later games
The most popular games at the Colosseum were chariot races, gladiator games, simulated naval battles and animal hunts. Staged dramas of mythological stories were also held there. Gladiators, slaves, prisoners or volunteers fought in battles to the death during gladiator matches. Gladiator games were held until 404 and were outlawed in 438 A.D. Animal hunts continued at the Colosseum until 523. The games became too expensive to stage, especially as the western part of the Roman Empire had military and financial problems.
Repairs
The first repairs to the Colosseum probably took place in the late first century A.D., when emperors Nerva and Trajan had work done to the building's cavea. In 217, the amphitheater needed repairs after it caught on fire, after being hit by a lightning bolt. Lightning struck the amphitheater again in 250, and earthquakes damaged it in 442 and 470.
Other Occupants
During the Middle Ages, a number of churches and residential structures were erected inside the Colosseum. It was also used as a military fortress. After the games were terminated, the Colosseum was looted for materials. Staring in 1490, passion plays were staged inside. Pope Benedict XIV declared the Colosseum to be a holy site in the 18th century. Starting in 1790, excavations were made of the arena. A major restoration began in 1995 on the outer walls and foundation. In 2000, the Greek National Theater performed three plays inside the Colosseum, including "Oedipus Rex.
source : http://www.ehow.com/about_5378727_history-colosseum-rome.html#ixzz1GuO99iHB
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