Ask the Romans —or for that matter, any Italian — what is the must-visit single structure while in Rome. The replies come quickly, almost instinctively — the Roman Colosseum! 

Nearly two millennia on, it remains a constant reference point, anchoring the fabled capital to its distinct ancient roots.

But first, some history. Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum is now 1,937 years old, an age that feels impossible to attain — yet we were there once again, in front of its still-commanding façade — we never seem to tire from it! 

Construction followed the Roman victory in the First Jewish–Roman War, a conflict that reshaped the empire and left deep scars across the newly-conquered territories.

After the sack of the Temple of Jerusalem, tens of thousands were enslaved and transported to Rome. Historians estimate between 60,000 and 100,000 of these captives labored on the structure which would become the largest ancient amphitheater ever built — and the largest standing in the world!

Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was commissioned by Emperors Vespasian, Titus and Domitian, members of the Flavian dynasty and successors of Nero. The name Colosseum likely came later, inspired by a colossal bronze statue of Nero which once stood nearby — itself modeled after the famed Colossus of Rhodes.

Architecturally, we read on site, the Colosseum remains a marvel of Roman engineering. Oval in shape, it measures 189 meters in length, 156 meters in width and rises 48.5 meters high, occupying roughly six acres of land. Its outer walls display three distinct levels of classical columns — Doric, Ionic and Corinthian — stacked in a deliberate progression.