The Colosseum - Rome, Italy

The Colosseum - the greatest amphitheater of the antiquity - was built about 1920 years ago. It was originally the Flavian Amphitheatre. It's construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign (81–96). Originally capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiator contests and public spectacles. It remained in use for nearly 500 years with the last recorded games being held there as late as the 6th century. As well as the traditional gladiatorial games, many other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts,executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. After the splendor of imperial times, the Colosseum was abandoned, and in turn it became a fortress for the medieval clans of the city, a source of building materials, a picturesque scenery for painters, and a place of Christian worship. It is considered an architectural and engineering wonder, and remains as a standing proof of both the grandeur and the cruelty of the Roman world. Today it is one of modern Rome's most popular tourist attractions and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torch lit "Way of the Cross" procession to the amphitheater.