The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater built in ancient Rome. The massive arena held thousands of spectators, who packed the stands to watch gladiators battle to the death and fight exotic animals, such as lions.

The Colosseum in Rome is best known for being a grand amphitheater that was the site of gladiatorial contests and public spectacles in ancient Rome. Constructed between AD 70 and 80, it could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators, showcasing the might and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire.

Discover the bloody history of Rome’s iconic amphitheater, the Colosseum, the site of spectacle and slaughter in the center of the ancient city. To the east of the Roman Forum stands the vast edifice of the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built during antiquity.