The Colosseum

The Colosseum (which is also spelled “Coliseum” believe it or not) is an elliptical amphitheatre designed to hold approximately 45-55 thousand people. Originally named the Flavian Amphitheatre (it was later changed because of a colossal statue of Nero that once stood nearby), this stunning architectural landmark features a different style of architecture on each level. The first level is that of a Doric style, the second level is composed with the Ionic style, and the third and fourth levels utilize a Corinthian style. Although Vespasian, the Roman emperor from 69 to 79 AD, commissioned it somewhere between 70 and 72 AD, Titus completed the construction of this monumentally magnificent masterpiece in 80 AD. It was located at the center of Rome, but was also symbolically at the center of ancient Roman culture. The Coliseum is sometimes viewed as a symbol of Roman victory in the Great Jewish Revolt of 70 AD because it was paid part from the spoils of that war.

The majority of the many functions it served were for purely for entertainment purposes. These functions included gladiator battles (which were sometimes staged), ceremonial slaughtering of animals, and executions (which were usually performed in way that pleased the crowd).

The once-great Coliseum, which was host to horrifically brutal deaths, is now a mere tourist attraction. Free admittance to the upper levels is offered to people over the age of 65 or under the age of 18. Sadly, spectators of this ancient arena of murder and martyrdom will not behold the full glory of its prime years. In 217 AD a fire (that allegedly started as a result of lightning) burned down most of the wooden structures within the Coliseum (including the center stage). Another fire, that ravaged much of Rome, also partially destroyed the Coliseum in 64 AD. Numerous Earthquakes have sent this rickety stone structure into a further state of dilapidation throughout the years (including a particularly large one in 1349).
In our opinion, not seeing the Coliseum would make your trip to Rome entirely devoid of meaning. As a symbol of ancient Roman culture and probably the most reputable monument left behind by the Romans, the Coliseum stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Romans as well as their architectural prowess.

Works Cited
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vespasian
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coloseum
http://www.legionxxiv.org/colosseum/