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Located just east of the Roman Forum, the massive stone amphitheater known as the Colosseum was commissioned around A.D. 70-72 by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. In A.D. 80, Vespasian's son Titus opened the Colosseum-officially known as the Flavian Amphitheater-with 100 days of games, including gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights. After four centuries of active use, the magnificent arena fell into neglect, and up until the 18th century it was used as a source of building materials. Though two-thirds of the original Colosseum has been destroyed over time, the amphitheater remains a popular tourist destination, as well as an iconic symbol of Rome and its long, tumultuous history.

Origins of the Colosseum

Even after the decadent Roman emperor Nero took his own life in A.D. 68, his misrule and excesses fueled a series of civil wars. No fewer than four emperors took the throne in the tumultuous year after Nero's death; the fourth, Vespasian, would end up ruling for 10 years (A.D. 69-79). The Flavian emperors, as Vespasian and his sons Titus (79-81) and Domitian (81-96) were known, attempted to tone down the excesses of the Roman court, restore Senate authority and promote public welfare. Around 70-72, Vespasian returned to the Roman people the lush land near the center of the city, where Nero had built an enormous palace for himself after a great fire ripped through Rome in A.D. 64. On the site of that Golden Palace, he decreed, would be built a new amphitheater where the public could enjoy gladiatorial combats and other forms of entertainment.

Did you know? Archaeologists believe that the Colosseum contained both drinking fountains and latrines.

After nearly a decade of construction-a relatively quick time period for a project of such a grand scale-Titus officially dedicated the Colosseum in A.D. 80 with a festival including 100 days of games. A well-loved ruler, Titus had earned his people's devotion with his handling of recovery efforts after the infamous eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79, which destroyed the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii. The final stages of construction of the Colosseum were completed under the reign of Titus' brother and successor, Domitian.

The Colosseum: A Grand Amphitheater

Measuring some 620 by 513 feet (190 by 155 meters), the Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the Roman world. Unlike many earlier amphitheaters, which had been dug into hillsides to provide adequate support, the Colosseum was a freestanding structure made of stone and concrete. The distinctive exterior had three stories of arched entrances-a total of around 80-supported by semi-circular columns. Each story contained columns of a different order (or style): At the bottom were columns of the relatively simple Doric order, followed by Ionic and topped by the ornate Corinthian order. Located just near the main entrance to the Colosseum was the Arch of Constantine, built in A.D. 315 in honor of Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at Pons Milvius.

Inside, the Colosseum had seating for more than 50,000 spectators, who may have been arranged according to social ranking but were most likely packed into the space like sardines in a can (judging by evidence from the seating at other Roman amphitheaters). Awnings were unfurled from the top story in order to protect the audience from the hot Roman sun as they watched gladiatorial combats, hunts, wild animal fights and larger combats such as mock naval engagements (for which the arena was flooded with water) put on at great expense. The vast majority of the combatants who fought in front of Colosseum audiences in Ancient Rome were men (though there were some female gladiators). Gladiators were generally slaves, condemned criminals or prisoners of war.

The Colosseum Over the Centuries

The Colosseum saw some four centuries of active use, until the struggles of the Western Roman Empire and the gradual change in public tastes put an end to gladiatorial combats and other large public entertainments by the 6th century A.D. Even by that time, the arena had suffered damaged due to natural phenomena such as lightning and earthquakes. In the centuries to come, the Colosseum was abandoned completely, and used as a quarry for numerous building projects, including the cathedrals of St. Peter and St. John Lateran, the Palazzo Venezia and defense fortifications along the Tiber River. Beginning in the 18th century, however, various popes sought to conserve the arena as a sacred Christian site, though it is in fact uncertain whether early Christian martyrs met their fate in the Colosseum, as has been speculated.

By the 20th century, a combination of weather, natural disasters, neglect and vandalism had destroyed nearly two-thirds of the original Colosseum, including all of the arena's marble seats and its decorative elements. Restoration efforts began in the 1990s, and have proceeded over the years, as the Colosseum continues to be a leading attraction for tourists from all over the world.
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Located just east of the Roman Forum, the massive stone amphitheater known as the Colosseum was commissioned around A.D. 70-72 by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. In A.D. 80, Vespasian's son Titus opened the Colosseum-officially known as the Flavian Amphitheater-with 100 days of games, including gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights.

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Cooking Classes in Tuscany while staying in Luxurious Villas

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We offer beginning and advanced cooking classes in Tuscany near Florence, Italy and Culinary vacations in a 13th century Villa

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The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most remarkable architectural structures from medieval Europe.

It is located in the Italian town of Pisa, one of the most visited European cities.

Leaning Tower of Pisa Facts:

Tower of Pisa stands at 60 metres and until 1990 was leaning at about a 10 degree angle.

Although it was designed to be perfectly vertical, it started to lean during construction.

" Here you can see more Facts about Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Square of Miracles

Tower of Pisa is more accurately referred to simply as the bell tower, or campanile.

The Pisa tower is one of the four buildings that make up the cathedral complex in Pisa, Italy, called Campo dei Miracoli or Piazza dei Miracoli, which means Field of Miracles.

The first building constructed at Campo dei Miracoli, Pisa, was the cathedral, or Duomo di Pisa, which rests on a white marble pavement and is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture.

The next building added was the baptistery just west of the dome.Then work on the campanile began. Before the work on the campanile was completed the cemetery, Campo Santo, was built.

Piazza dei Miracoli of Pisa is the most splendiferous assemblage of Romanesque architecture in Italy. Faced in gray-and-white striped marble and bristling with columns and arches, the cathedral, with its curiously Islamic dome and matching domed baptistery, rises from an emerald green lawn.

Flanking one side of the piazza, the camposanto, or cemetery, is a gracefully elongated cloister enclosing a burial ground with earth reputedly brought back during the Crusades from Golgotha, the hill where Jesus was crucified, so that noble Pisans could rest in holy ground.

Don't Forget to → Book Your Leaning Tower of Pisa Tickets Now

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the piazza's crowning glory.

Although only a third as high as the Washington Monument, it was a miracle of medieval engineering, probably the tallest bell towers in Europe.

With 207 columns ranged around eight stories, Tower of Pisa looks like a massive wedding cake knocked precariously askew by a clumsy giant guest.

The construction of Tower of Pisa began in August 1173 and continued for about 200 years due to the onset of a series of wars. Till today, the name of the architect is a mystery.

Leaning Tower of Pisa and CathedralThe leaning Tower of Pisa was designed as a circular bell tower that would stand 185 feet high. It is constructed of white marble.

The tower has eight stories, including the chamber for the bells.

The bottom story consists of 15 marble arches. Each of the next six stories contains 30 arches that surround the tower.

The final story is the bell chamber itself, which has 16 arches. There is a 297 step spiral staircase inside the tower leading to the top.

The top of the leaning tower of Pisa is about 17 feet off the vertical.

The tower is also slightly curved from the attempts by various architects to keep it from leaning more or falling over.

Many ideas have been suggested to straighten the Tower of Pisa, including taking it apart stone by stone and rebuilding it at a different location.

In the 1920s the foundations of the tower were injected with cement grouting that has stabilized the tower to some extent.

Until recent years tourists were not allowed to climb the staircase inside the tower, due to consolidation work.

But now the leaning Tower of Pisa is open again and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy → Book a Hotel or check our → Visit Tower of Pisa page.

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Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy: Guide to the Tower of Pisa

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The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most remarkable architectural structures from medieval Europe. It is located in the Italian town of Pisa, one of the most visited European cities. Leaning Tower of Pisa Facts: Tower of Pisa stands at 60 metres and until 1990 was leaning at about a 10 degree angle.

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The frescoes that we are contemplating here introduce us into the world of the contents of the Revelation. The truths of our faith speak to us here...

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Murano Glass & Murano Glass Jewelry Imported from Venice, Italy | GlassOfVenice

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Rooted in tradition, Murano Glass is handcrafted by glass masters on Murano Island. Shop for beautiful and authentic, captivating pieces at Glass of Venice.

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On any tour, stick next to the guide.

Walking from stop to stop on the tour, you'll be able to chat with her, ask questions, and hear her answers and explanations to everyone else's questions as well. You'll get a lot more out of your tour (and bang for your buck) if you just stick close to the guide.

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On any tour, stick next to the guide. Walking from stop to stop on the tour, you'll be able to chat with her, ask questions, and hear her answers and explanations to everyone else's questions as well. You'll get a lot more out of your tour (and bang for your buck) if you just stick close to the guide.

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Praça do Comercio (Terreiro do Paço) | Visit LISBON

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One of Lisbon's iconic squares that you must see. This famous square is ready to welcome you with various attractions and a nobility that is clear to see.

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Lisbon's Beaches - A beach guide fully updated for 2018!

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The close proximity of Lisbon to these beaches is not well publicised, and few visitors realise that a holiday to Lisbon can combine the delights of a city break with the relaxation of a beach holiday. This guide will provide an introduction to the Lisbon coastline, suggested great beaches to visit and offer general advice for visiting Lisbon's outstanding beaches.

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Piccadilly Circus is one of London's most popular tourist destinations, home to the iconic Piccadilly screens and the statue of Eros.

Images

Venue Details &amp; Map

Piccadilly Circus

Address

Telephone:

+44 (0)20 7434 9396

Facilities & Accessibility

TripAdvisor Reviews

Events at Piccadilly Circus

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Piccadilly Circus is one of London's most popular tourist destinations, home to the iconic Piccadilly screens and the statue of Eros. Address Telephone: +44 (0)20 7434 9396 Facilities & Accessibility TripAdvisor Reviews Events at Piccadilly Circus

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Discover what you can expect to see during your visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter