The Colosseum or Coliseum is a giant amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, having the capability of around 50,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Under the emperor Vespasian, it was built on a site just east of the Roman Forum, with construction starting between 70 and 72 AD. This amphitheatre was the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign.
The Colosseum remained in use for nearly 500 years with the last recorded games being held there as late as the 6th century — well after the traditional date of the fall of Rome in 476. As well as the traditional gladiatorial games, many other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building eventually ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such varied purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry and a Christian shrine.
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