The Colosseum was a huge public entertainment center.

The Colosseum could seat 45,000 spectators. Some people were not lucky enough to have a seat in the Colosseum. If you didn't mind standing, the Colosseum could hold up to 70,000 spectators! 

This is where the ancient Romans gathered to watch bloody combat between gladiators, and battles between men and wild animals. This is where they threw people to the lions! To see men being killed was very entertaining to the ancient Romans. On occasion, they flooded the Colosseum with water, to hold naval battles. During the battles, many competitors died. 

The ancient Romans were great builders. They built things to last. The Colosseum was built of concrete, faced with stone, as were most amphitheaters. It was built in the early days of the Roman Empire, around 70 CE. It was designed to host huge spectacles.  Anyone could attend the events in the Colosseum. Admission was free.   

The Colosseum

The Colosseum

The Great Builders

The Colosseum (kids, British Museum)

The Colosseum

Gladiators   

Nero Goes Insane 

Roman Architecture

'Mini-Colosseum' unearthed near Rome (2009) 

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