Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the world famous Colosseum, symbol of Rome, is the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire. The idea came from emperor Titus Flavius Vespasianus in 70AD and after his death in 79 A.D. the task of the Colosseum was given to and completed by his Titus in the year 80.
The Colosseum is 48 meters high, 188 meters long, and 156 meters wide. The sandy wooden floor of the arena measured at 84 by 54 meters.
The structure consisted of seating divided into four sections. The lower podium, and most important, was destined for seating for members of the Roman Senate. The upper podium, for Roman aristocrats not members of government. The third level was divided into another three sections consisting of a lower part for the high class, a middle part for the middle and lower class, and a higher wooden level at the top was added later for standing room only for lower class women.
The Colosseum incorporated a brilliant idea for cooling and shading, known as valerium, that covered nearly two thirds of the arena. It consisted of a canvas-covered, net-like structure made of ropes, with a hole in the center that curved downwards to the center to catch the wind which in turn, provided a breeze for the audience.
Later, the addition of underground tunnels was added by Titus's brother Domitian in order to hold the animals and gladiators. Some of the tunnels still exist but the original arena floor no longer exists. In fact, much of the four storied Colosseum still exists after almost 2,000 years of history, most famously known for the gladiator fights that took place there, and it also took many beatings by numerous earthquakes during its time.