Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum (Italian: Colosseo) is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world today, despite its age. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian (r. 69–79 AD) in 72 and was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir, Titus (r. 79–81). Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (r. 81–96). The three emperors that were patrons of the work are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium; Italian: Anfiteatro Flavio) by later classicists and archaeologists for its association with their family name (Flavius). On May 10th, 2003, Paul McCartney performed inside Rome’s ancient Colosseum for an exclusive charity show before 400 people who paid up to $1500 to listen up-close the ex-Beatle inside ancient gladiatorial stage, bathed in multicolored lights for the occasion. This was the 1st and only concert played at inside the Colosseum.