There is no more enduring symbol of Rome than the Flavian Amphitheater, aka the Roman Colosseum. It was built by the Flavian Dynasty – Emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domition – over the course of some 25 years in the first century AD and remains the largest amphitheatre, or open-air venue, ever built. Almost 2,000 years ago it served the same purpose that amphitheatres do today – showcasing large public spectacles.

If its purpose was modern, so too was its size and architecture. It is estimated that the ancient Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, making it comparable in size to the Mile High Stadium in Denver and Manchester United’s Old Trafford.