The Colosseum
Built between 70 and 80 AD, the Colosseum is one of the most internationally recognised symbols of Rome. It takes its name from an ancient statue, the Colossus of Nero, which stood nearby.
History
The Colosseum was begun in 70 AD by the Emperor Vespasian, apparently with his share of the money seized following the seige of Jerusalem. It was built on the site of Nero's private lake, a handy way for Vespasian to distance himself from his predeccesor's unpopular excesses. It was officially known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, after Vespasian's family name.
Following its completion under Titus, Vespasian's son, the Colosseum began its 500-year career as the venue for gladiatorial fights and animal hunts. After falling into disuse, the Colosseum spent some time derelict, as well as being used variously as a private castle and the home of a religious order. Much of the stone was taken to be used in other buildings, and There is no evidence that Christians were martyred (or thrown to the lions) here, although this didn't prevent Pope Benedict XIV from declaring it a sacred site in 1749.
Misinformed though it may have been, Benedict's intervention prevented further damage to the site, and his successors made several repairs to the structure.
Getting There
The Colosseum is right at the heart of one of the main archaeological areas of central Rome. It's next to the Forum and close to Circo Massimo. The chances are that you'll be walking past it a lot. It's worth paying (although sometimes it's free) to go inside and take a look around. The original floor of the arena was made of wood and is long gone, making it possible to see down into the 'backstage' area.
It's easy to find the Colosseum. For a start, it's not small (although it was apparently too small for Ridley Scott, who designed a bigger one for his film Gladiator) If you're at the forum, just head East along Via Sacra until you reach it. The nearest metro stop is, unsurprisingly, Colosseo on Linea B, which will take you right to the base of the landmark.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
The Colosseum is open from 8.30 am until one hour before sunset, every day except Christmas day and January 1st.
Tickets cost €12 (including a €3 exhibition charge) standard, €7.50 reduced rate.
Tickets for the Colosseum also allow access to the Palatine Hill and the Forum. They are valid for two days, although only once for each site: you may want to visit the Colosseum one day, and devote the next morning to exploring the Palatine and the Forum.
