Rome
    Colosseum (Amphitheatrum Flavium)



    history
    Emperor Vespasian started construction of the Colosseum in 72AD and his son Titus inaugurated it in 80AD. It had 80 entrances and seats for 50,000 spectators. The crowd could see gladiator fights, naval battles and wild animal hunts with lions, elephants and panthers.

    The original name was Amphitheatrum Flavium. (Flavius was the family name of Vespasianus and Titus). The arena got later the name Colosseum, likely because of its huge size. Another explanation is that a 40 meter high statue(colossus) of emperor Nero was standing next to it.

    location & tickets
    The Colosseum is next to the Palatine and the Forum.
    The nearest metro station is: "Colosseo" and the entrance is €10.

    When we were there (July 2006, in the afternoon), there were long queues for the ticket windows. Fortunately, we had bought a combined ticket in the Palatine which is directly opposite of the Colosseum. People with a 'Roma Pass' have a separate entrance and our tickets were also accepted. This combined ticket (Colosseum + Palatine) was €11.50 and in the Palatine was hardly a waiting time. Children under 18 and living in the EU have free admission. Their ID-card is required to get those tickets.




    The Colosseum, inside the stadium



    The Colosseum (Amphitheatrum Flavium), Rome



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