History:
Ancient Time:
Construction of the Colosseum first took place under the rule of the Emperor Vespasian in around 80-72AD. The site was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalised stream ran. by the 2nd century BC the area was densely inhabited. It was devastated by the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64. Although the Colosseum was preserved, much of the Domus Aurea was torn down, The nearby lake was then filled in and the land were reused as the location for the new Flavian Amphiteatre. Gladiatorial schools and other support buildings were constructed nearby within the former grounds of the Domus Aurea. The Colosseum had been completed up to the third story by the time of Vespasian's death in 79. The top level was finished and the building inaugurated by his son, Titus, in 80. During that time 9,000 wild animals were killed during the inaugural games at the amphitheatre. The building was remodelled further under Vespasian's younger son, the newly designated Emperor Dormitan, who added a gallery to the top of the colosseum to increase its seating capacity. By 217, the colosseum was badly damaged by a major fire that destroyed most of wooden upper levels of the amphitheatre's interior. Earthquakes also played a role in damaging the colosseum. It was not repaired until 240 and underwent further repairs in 250 and agian in 320.
Medieval Time:
During this period, the Colosseum underwent several radical changes of use. By late 6th century, a small church was built into the structure of the amphitheatre, though this apparently did not confer any particular religious significance on the building as a whole. The arena was also converted into a cemetery. Several spaces in the arcades under the seating were converted into housing and workshops, and was recorded being rented out as late as the 12th century. Around 1200, a family(Frangipani) took over the colosseum and fortified its use as castle.
During this period, earthquake damage was inevitable. Several periods of damage to the Colosseum were impacted by the great earthquake in 1349, causing the outer south side, lying on a less stable alluvial terrain, to collapse. Most of of the tumbled stones was reused to build palaces, churches, hospitals and other buildings elsewhere in Rome. uilding today.
Modern Time:
The Colosseum is today one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions, receiving millions of visitors annually. However, the effect of pollution and general deterioration over time generated a major restoration programme that was carried out between 1993 and 2000 which cost at around 40 billion Italian Lire. In recent years,it has become a symbol of the international campaign against capital punishment, which was abolished in Italy in 1948. several anti-death penalty demonstrations took place in front of the Colosseum in 2000. Because of the ruined state of the interior, it is impractical to use the colosseum to host large events; only a few hundred spectators can be accommodated in temporary seating. However, much larger concerts have been held just outside, using Colosseum as a background. Notable performers such as Elton John have performed at the Colosseum.