Coliseum

The Colosseum is the most visited attraction in Italy. This huge structure was built during the Roman Empire. The complexity of architecture has been recognized by all countries. In the ancient world, this mighty building was the largest amphitheater, where the Romans callously enjoyed the fights of condemned people, as well as animal fights. The Colosseum has approximately 80 different entrances and has 50,000 seats. The spirit of cruelty passed through this place, it will always remind you of the soulless deeds that stirred the blood and brought pleasure to thousands of Romans.

The original name of the Colosseum was Flavius Amphitheater, but the modern name sounds like Colosseum, which comes from the statue of Nero (colossus), which was located nearby. The powerful Roman Empire housed about 250 amphitheatres, which were located on its outskirts, among them the Colosseum, of course, was the main one and was located in the very center of Rome.

The founder of this structure was the Emperor Vespasian, who, in this way, wanted to strengthen his power, demonstrate its might. The construction was completed in 80 and took place during the reign of Titus, who was the subsequent emperor. The celebration associated with the opening of the main amphitheater lasted 97 days and was accompanied by the shedding of the blood of gladiators, wild animals, as well as a variety of typical games that delighted thousands of spectators.

Domitian, who ruled in 81-96, completed the upper tier, which significantly expanded this building, and also dug many tunnels that served to raise animals that fought in the arena, as well as prisoners waiting for their turn.

With the advent of Christianity, people stopped being killed in the walls of the Colosseum. And over time, the spectacles associated with animal fights stopped, but the reason for this was the financial crisis, which is associated with frequent barbarian raids. In subsequent times, the amphitheater was used for other purposes, and eventually began to be plundered, dismantled for building materials for the construction of various cathedrals and churches. It was only under the government of Benedict XlV, who decided to open a public church here, that humanity stopped destroying it. Since then and to the present day, the Colosseum has been guarded and periodically restored.

Today's Colosseum is the main attraction of Rome, which enjoys great popularity among tourists. In 2010, the ancient amphitheater was restored and for the first time opened to the public, even the underground tunnels where the combatants waited their turn. Also, the third tier was resumed for the guests, where the middle class of the powerful empire watched the action in the arena. During the reconstruction, a wooden path was also built, which allows tourists to get a better look at the famous place. To get on an excursion to the Colosseum, you must make an appointment in advance, as individual visits are held here, in groups of 25 people.

This recognizable architecture of ancient Rome can often be found on various pictures and magazine covers. World-class celebrities often give concerts on this territory, and sometimes the Pope holds a service. In 2007, the Colosseum took its place of honor in the list of seven new wonders of the world.