The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is one of Rome's most iconic monuments and an outstanding example of Roman engineering. Its construction began in 70 AD under Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under his successor Titus. The structure is mainly made of travertine, a type of limestone, and tuff, a volcanic material, which gives the Colosseum its strength and durability.
The design of the Colosseum followed an elliptical architecture, with a length of about 189 metres and a width of 156 metres, capable of accommodating up to 50,000 spectators. The construction used advanced techniques for the time, such as the arch and the vault, which allowed the weight to be distributed efficiently. The Colosseum was equipped with a system of entrances and exits that facilitated the flow of large masses of people, and it also had a complex system of tunnels and subterranean passages for animals and gladiators.
In addition to its entertainment function, the Colosseum was a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Roman Empire, reflecting the engineering and architectural prowess of the Romans. Today, it is a World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world.