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.
Natural Pond
Before human settlement, the valley where the Colosseum now stands was a natural pond formed by waters from surrounding hills.
Republican Rome
The Romans drained the valley and built houses, public buildings, and temples, turning the area into a significant urban center.
Great Fire under Nero
A massive fire ravages Rome, leading Emperor Nero to construct the Domus Aurea with an artificial lake in the valley.
Construction Begins
Emperor Vespasian reclaims the land from Nero’s lake and initiates the construction of the Colosseum. 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.
Early Construction Phase
Building of the first and second tiers begins. The elliptical structure of the travertine stone takes shape.
Structural Advancements
Work progresses on the upper tiers, incorporating vaults and arches. Construction of the hypogeum (underground chambers) begins.
Final Touches Under Vespasian
The first two tiers are completed. The decorative elements are added. Vespasian dies in 79 AD.
Inauguration
Emperor Titus inaugurates the Colosseum with 100 days of games after completing the third and fourth tiers. 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.
Completion by Domitian
Domitian completes the Colosseum’s structure, adding the hypogeum, which are underground chambers for animals and gladiators — 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.
First Reconstruction
Emperor Antoninus Pius carried out repairs after a fire that damaged the Colosseum and surrounding buildings.
Fire and Repairs
A lightning strike causes a fire, leading to significant damage. Reconstruction begins under Emperor Macrinus and continues for 30 years.
Repairs Completed
Under Emperor Gordian III, the Colosseum’s restoration is completed, commemorated by coins depicting the restored structure.
Lightning Strike and Repairs
Another lightning strike damages the Colosseum. Emperor Decius oversees the necessary repairs.
Earthquake Hits Rome
A catastrophic earthquake affects Rome and its provinces, causing further damage to the Colosseum.
Last Gladiatorial Games
Emperor Honorius bans gladiatorial combats, marking the end of this era in the Colosseum’s history.
Learn more about the warriors who fought here on our Roman gladiators page.
Visigoth Sack
The Visigoths sack Rome. The Colosseum is abandoned and later used as a burial site during the sieges.
Repairs Post-Visigoth Sack
Praefectus Urbi Iunius Valerius Bellicius undertakes restorations after the Visigothic invasion.
Earthquake and Restoration
A disastrous earthquake hits Rome. Praefectus Urbi Rufius Cecina Felix Lampadius funds repairs on the arena and terraces.
Vandal Sack
The Vandals sack Rome. The Colosseum suffers further damage during the 15-day plundering.
Final Ancient Restorations
Praefectus Urbi Decius Marius Venantius Basilius oversees the last recorded ancient restorations, including filling the arena.
Last Animal Hunts
The final venationes, or staged animal hunts, are held in the Colosseum, ending its use for public spectacles.
Major Earthquake
A severe earthquake under Pope Leo IV causes extensive damage, further degrading the Colosseum.
Frangipane Occupation
The powerful Frangipane family takes control of the Colosseum, using it as a fortified residence.
Devastating Earthquake
An earthquake collapses the Colosseum’s southern side. The materials are later reused for other constructions.
Religious Brotherhood Ownership
The Arciconfraternita del SS. Salvatore ad Sancta Sanctorum obtains part of the Colosseum and begins selling its materials. Its travertine, marble, and iron clamps were systematically stripped for other buildings, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Palazzo Venezia.
Sacred Site Declaration
Pope Benedict XIV declares the Colosseum a sacred site, protecting it from further destruction and initiating restorations. He consecrated it as a place where early Christian martyrs had perished, effectively ending the quarrying.
Major Restoration Efforts
Raffaele Stern and Giuseppe Valadier lead significant restoration efforts to stabilize and conserve the Colosseum.
Excavation and Use by Mussolini
Mussolini’s regime excavates the hypogeum and uses the Colosseum as a backdrop for Fascist parades and rallies.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Colosseum is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. Today it welcomes approximately 7 million visitors annually, making it the most visited monument in Italy.
Euro Coin Symbol
The Colosseum is depicted on the Italian 5-cent euro coin, symbolizing its enduring legacy.
New7Wonders
The Colosseum is voted one of the New7Wonders of the World, affirming its global importance and appeal.
Restoration Sponsorship
Diego Della Valle, head of Tod’s, sponsors a €25 million restoration project. The controversial public-private partnership causes delays.
First Stage Completed
The restoration of the façade and ground-level arches has been completed. Plans to replace the floors for cultural events have been announced.
Upper Levels Opened
The top two levels of the Colosseum are open for guided visits. They showcase the marketplace and areas where plebeians once gathered.
Ready to walk through 2,000 years of history? Book Colosseum tickets or choose a guided tour for expert commentary.
COVID-19 Impact
The pandemic reduces visitor numbers due to travel restrictions and lockdowns, but maintenance and conservation efforts continue.
Record Visitors
The Colosseum attracts over 12 million visitors. Culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano announces this during an Easter visit.
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.