The Colosseum was built by Emperors Vespasiana and Titus and
was completed in A.D. 80 It was a large stadium which held over fifty thousand
people. It's measurements were 188 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 40 meters
high, and it had 76 entrances (Connolly 2001, pg 37). The main area was made
of a removable wooden floor that was covered with dirt for easy cleanup. Some
have suggested that the Romans may have removed the floor and flooded the area
for mock naval battles. Under the floor was a set of tunnels and holding places
for gladiators and wild animals used for entertainment. Under the floor was
a lift system and trapdoors from which people or animals below could enter the
arena. When the Colosseum opened, 100 straight days of games were held. The
Colosseum was used for large events. For example, in one day, over 5000 animals
were killed. An other day over 1000 gladiators fought in a single afternoon
(Lewis 1980, pg 48).
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