The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre , is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and stone,[1] it is the largest amphitheatre ever built and is considered one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering.[2]
The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in 72 AD,[3] and was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir Titus.[4] Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96).[5]These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius).