Colosseum History — From 80 AD to Present
The Colosseum was built between 72–80 AD under Emperors Vespasian and Titus. Originally called the Flavian Amphitheater, it held up to 80,000 spectators who gathered to watch gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles. Nearly 2,000 years later, it remains Rome’s most iconic monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Construction Begins
Emperor Vespasian commissioned the Colosseum in 72 AD on the site of Nero’s former artificial lake. The project employed an estimated 60,000 Jewish slaves captured during the Siege of Jerusalem. Over 100,000 cubic meters of travertine limestone were quarried from Tivoli, held together by 300 tonnes of iron clamps rather than mortar.
Grand Inauguration
Emperor Titus inaugurated the Colosseum with 100 days of spectacular games. An estimated 9,000 wild animals were killed during the celebrations. The arena could seat up to 80,000 spectators across four tiers, with a retractable velarium (awning) operated by sailors to shade the crowd.
Book Colosseum tickets to walk through the corridors where those first spectators entered nearly 2,000 years ago.
Domitian Adds the Hypogeum
Emperor Domitian constructed the elaborate underground network (hypogeum) beneath the arena floor — tunnels, animal cages, mechanical elevators, and trap doors that allowed dramatic entrances during the games. This ended the practice of flooding the arena for naval battles.
To explore these tunnels today, book Full Experience tickets with underground access.
Great Fire
A massive fire caused by lightning severely damaged the upper wooden levels of the Colosseum. Repairs took over a decade, and the amphitheater was temporarily closed. Games were moved to the Circus Maximus during the restoration period.
Gladiatorial Games End
Emperor Valentinian III officially banned gladiatorial combat. The last recorded animal hunts took place in 523 AD. Without its primary purpose, the Colosseum fell into gradual disuse, beginning centuries of neglect.
Learn more about the warriors who fought here on our Roman gladiators page.
Earthquakes & Quarrying
Major earthquakes collapsed the southern outer wall. During the medieval period, the Colosseum was repurposed as housing, a church, and a cemetery. Most destructively, its travertine, marble, and iron clamps were systematically stripped for other buildings, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Palazzo Venezia.
Pope Benedict XIV Declares Sacred Site
Pope Benedict XIV consecrated the Colosseum as a place where early Christian martyrs had perished. This declaration effectively ended the quarrying and began the long process of preservation that continues to this day.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Colosseum was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and later voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Today it welcomes approximately 7 million visitors annually, making it the most visited monument in Italy.
Modern Restoration
A €25 million restoration sponsored by Tod’s cleaned centuries of grime from the exterior. A new retractable arena floor is under construction, which will allow visitors to stand where gladiators once fought. The Colosseum remains a living monument, continuously revealing new discoveries.
Ready to walk through 2,000 years of history? Book Colosseum tickets or choose a guided tour for expert commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Colosseum built?
Construction of the Colosseum began in 72 AD under Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under his son Emperor Titus. Additional modifications, including the hypogeum (underground network), were added by Emperor Domitian between 81 and 96 AD.
Who built the Colosseum?
The Colosseum was built by the Flavian dynasty of Roman emperors — Vespasian initiated construction, Titus completed the main structure, and Domitian added finishing touches including the underground hypogeum. An estimated 60,000 Jewish slaves captured during the Siege of Jerusalem provided much of the labor.
How many people could the Colosseum hold?
At its peak, the Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. The seating was arranged in tiers based on social class, with the best seats near the arena reserved for senators and the upper levels for common citizens.
Why is the Colosseum damaged?
The Colosseum suffered damage from multiple earthquakes, particularly in 847 and 1231 AD, which collapsed the southern side. Additionally, for centuries it was used as a quarry — its marble, lead clamps, and travertine stone were stripped and repurposed for other buildings, including St. Peter's Basilica.