Which ancient civilization built the Colosseum in Rome?

The Romans built the Colosseum in Rome.

Construction began under Emperor Vespasian around AD 72 and the amphitheater was dedicated by his son Titus in AD 80. Its official ancient name was the Flavian Amphitheatre, honoring the Flavian dynasty. The structure was built in the center of Rome on land once occupied by Emperor Nero’s private palace complex.

The Colosseum could hold tens of thousands of spectators and hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, public spectacles, and other performances. A large retractable awning, called the velarium, helped shade parts of the audience. The arena floor concealed a complex underground system of corridors, lifts, and rooms.

The building was damaged by earthquakes and later quarried for stone and other materials. Even so, much of its outer structure survives. The modern name “Colosseum” probably became associated with the amphitheater because of a nearby colossal statue of Nero, rather than because the building itself was originally called that.