In this free audio guide, you will learn about the Roman Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, which is an oval arena located in the center of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest amphitheater constructed by the ancient Romans and remains the largest standing amphitheater in the world.

Colosseum – Free Audio Guide

The Colosseum can accommodate between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions, mock sea battles, re-enactments of battles, dramas based on mythology, and other public spectacles for over 500 years. Although now in ruins, the Colosseum remains an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and was designated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Emperor Vespasian initiated the construction of the amphitheater around AD 72. It was completed in AD 80 under Vespasian’s successor and heir, Titus. The inaugural games spanned 100 days during which over 9,000 wild animals were slaughtered.

Built of stone and concrete, the Colosseum stands 157 feet tall with a base covering 6 acres. The design includes vaulted arcades on four stories creating an ellipse with tiers of seating around an oval arena. An underground network of passages and cells housed gladiators and animals.

Severely damaged over time by earthquakes and stone scavenging, two-thirds of the original Colosseum has been destroyed. However, the ruins still attract over 6 million visitors annually.

Since 2000, the night illumination of the Colosseum has been changed from white to gold to symbolize the international campaign against capital punishment. This occurs whenever a death sentence is commuted or a jurisdiction abolishes the death penalty.

Although concerts have been staged just outside, the ruined state of the interior only permits a few hundred spectators within temporary seats. A museum now occupies the upper floor.

The Colosseum remains a popular tourist destination that also links Rome to the Catholic Church. The Pope has led Stations of the Cross ceremonies there on Good Fridays. The arena floor and underground passageways have been partially restored and opened to the public.

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