The Colosseum situated in Rome is basically an amphitheater. It was built as an upgrading of the Circus Maximus where wild beast fights, mock naval battles and gladiatorial combats used to take place. Oval in form, the circus structure had a permanent central divider right through the center, which was helpful in chariot contests, but caused hindrance during fights. Furthermore, the audience’s ability to see was restricted in the Circus Maximus. The Colosseum enabled spectators to view the entire action from all sides.
Scribonius Curio, in around 50 BC, constructed an amphitheater for the first time in Rome in order to exhibit games that were held as a part of his father’s memorial service. Curio’s amphitheater as well as the one constructed by Julius Caesar, in around 46 BC, was crafted out of wood. The load of the audience was sometimes extremely heavy for the fragile wooden framework to bear and, moreover, wood was highly defenseless against fire.
The Colosseum was finally built by the Flavian Emperors, Titus and Vespasian, and was constructed using limestone and marble, in around 80 AD. It is considered to be a highly famous ancient Roman monument because it remains mostly intact even today. Bede, the famous historian of the Medieval Age first gave the name “Colosseum” or “Colyseus” to the amphitheater, perhaps for the reason that the amphitheater, which had been built on the top of the land that Nero had assigned to his larger-than-life golden palace, was situated next to a colossal figure of Nero. Though, this etymology is highly doubtful.
The Colosseum, which is the biggest of all the Roman constructions, is believed to have a capacity of holding almost 87,000 viewers as well as more than a few hundred combating animals. The amphitheater was approximately 160 feet in height and spread over an area of six acres. The Colosseum was also comprised of 64 doors to allow viewers to move in and out. These doors were known as “vomitoria”.