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Colosseum

The most famous of ancient Rome's monuments, Colosseum was begun in AD 70 by emperor Vespasian and inaugurated in AD 80 by with a program of games and shows that lasted 100 days. The gladiator fights that took place in the arena were popular forms of entertainment with the Romans. You can find a few of their followers outside the Colosseum. They don't fight to their death anymore but rather pose for pictures.

By the 15th century the Colosseum has become a quarry for building materials. In 1749 Benedict XIV declared it sacred in the memory of the many Christians that died here (although there is no historical data to support the belief that Christians were martyrized in the arena). Once it was declared sacred, its restauration began (and still continues).
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