Italy contains the Colosseum, the world’s largest ancient amphitheatre. The monumental structure stands in Rome and was built under the Flavian emperors. Construction began under Emperor Vespasian around 72 CE and was completed by his son Titus in 80 CE.
The Colosseum could hold tens of thousands of spectators and hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, public spectacles and other performances. Its elliptical design used concrete, stone, corridors and stairways to move large crowds efficiently. A retractable awning, known as the velarium, helped shade spectators.
The building suffered damage from earthquakes, stone removal and centuries of reuse, but much of its structure survives. It is sometimes called the Flavian Amphitheatre, its ancient formal name. The Colosseum is part of Rome’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.