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Construction
of the Colosseo (Colosseum) was started by Vespasian in 72 AD in the
grounds of Nero's private Domus Aurea. Originally known as the Flavian
Amphitheatre, after the family name of Vespasian, it was inaugurated
by his son Titus in 80 AD. The massive structure could seat more than
50,000 (the 4th century figure of 87,000 is disputed), and the bloody
gladiator combat and wild beast shows held there.
The splendid games held
at the inauguration of the Colosseo lasted for 100 days and nights,
during which some 5,000 animals were slaughtered. Trajan once held games
which lasted for 117 days, during which some 9,000 gladiators fought
to the death.
With the fall
of the Empire, the Colosseo was abandoned and gradually became overgrown.
Exotic plants grew there for centuries; seeds bad in advertently been
transported from Africa and Asia with the wild beasts that appeared
in the arena (including crocodiles, bears, lions, tigers, elephants,
rhinos, hippos, camels and giraffes).
In the Middle
Ages the Colosseo became a fortress, occupied by two of the city's warrior
families: the Frangipani and the Annibaldi. Its reputation as a symbol
of Rome, the "Etemal City", also dates to the Middle Ages,
with Bede writing that "while the Colosseo stands, Rome shall stand,
but when the Colosseo falls, Rome shall fall and when Rome falls, the
world will end".
Damaged
several times by earthquake, it was later used as a quarry for travertine
and marble for the Palazzo Venezia and other buildings. Pollution and
the vibrations caused by traffic and the Metro have also taken their
toll. Restoration works have periodically been carried out, the latest
starting in 1992. Current estimates have a restored Colosseo being unveiled
by 2004.
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