The Roman amphitheatre originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre is the Colosseum.
Construction began under Emperor Vespasian around AD 72 and was completed by his son Titus in AD 80. The name “Flavian” refers to the dynasty shared by Vespasian, Titus and Domitian, who completed later modifications.
The Colosseum stood beside the Roman Forum and hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions and other public spectacles. It could accommodate tens of thousands of spectators, with estimates commonly ranging from 50,000 to 80,000.
A common mix-up is the building’s name: “Colosseum” probably derives from the colossal statue of Nero that once stood nearby, while “Flavian Amphitheatre” describes its imperial patrons. Verona, El Jem and Nîmes also have important Roman amphitheatres, but none was Rome’s Flavian Amphitheatre.