The Colosseum is probably the best known of Rome’s ancient buildings. It is a huge arena even in today’s standards and had seating for over 50,000 people and rising 160 feet above street level. The Colosseum has had many uses over its 2000 years including a scene for mock battles, gladiator battles, was flooded for naval skirmishes and was even the site where Christians were fed to lions. Sadly the arena has suffered serious damage due to stone robbers and earthquakes but the Colosseum remains an iconic symbol of Italy and is Rome’s most popular tourist attraction. Today the coliseum is still used for smaller performances and events, but only a few hundred spectators can be accommodated. Quiet a few superstars use the Colosseum as the backdrop to their Rome concerts, Paul McCartney and Elton John are two of the huge acts who have visited in recent years.
