Amphitheaters

The Colosseum in Rome is probably the most famous Roman amphitheater. Built from 72 - 80 AD under the Emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, the Colosseum was a large, oval arena surrounded by tiered seats. It was very similar to a modern football stadium. Some arenas in the U.S. are still called "Colosseum," for example, in Los Angeles!

The games that were held in the Colosseum lasted all day. In the morning, the crowds were entertained by wild beasts in combat or animals against humans. Later in the day, the gladiators (professionally trained fighters) took the field and fought in competitions which often ended in death.