1-151-220 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Upper tiers of The Colosseum, Rome. A Flavian amphitheatre built between 70 and 82 AD during the reigns of the emperors Vespasian, Titus and Domitian, the Colosseum could seat some 50,000 spectators. It has been estimated that as many as 500,000 people may have died in the gladiatorial games and executions staged in the Colosseum for the entertainment of Rome's citizens.