Colosseum

Who hasn’t heard of the Colosseum? It was the location for grueling matches between gladiators and/or beasts. The Colosseum was built in 72-80 AD under the rule of Vespasian. He was attempting to provide an entertainment forum for the citizens who suffered greatly under his predecessor, Nero.

This 50,000-seat amphitheater was four levels in height—each designed in a different architectural order—and had 76 exits allowing visitors to depart in a timely manner. The main platform was often filled with water to accommodate mock sea battles, and covered an underground maze where gladiators, prisoners, and beasts awaited their fates. Cages on hoists reeled them up where they were released to fight to the death.