The Colosseum is the Rome landmark inaugurated in AD 80 under Emperor Titus as the Flavian Amphitheatre.
Construction began under Emperor Vespasian around AD 72 on land associated with Nero’s former palace complex. Titus, Vespasian’s son, dedicated the completed amphitheatre in AD 80, and Emperor Domitian later added further modifications.
The enormous elliptical building could host spectacles including gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions, and public displays. Its system of passageways and elevators allowed people, animals, and scenery to move beneath the arena floor.
Although often called the Colosseum today, its ancient formal name was the Flavian Amphitheatre, reflecting the Flavian dynasty that built it. The popular name likely came from the colossal statue of Nero that once stood nearby. Earthquakes, stone reuse, and changing uses damaged the structure, but much of its skeleton survives.