By / murphybj4 Photo / murphybj4
We often say “Rome wasn’t built in a day” to describe how things can’t be achieved all at once, but Rome really wasn’t built in a day. Just from the founding of the ancient Roman Empire to the unification of its imperial territory, it took nearly 500 years — and that’s not even counting the time spent governing afterward.
The Colosseum was the largest circular amphitheater of the ancient Roman era. (Photo / murphybj4)
Located in the center of Rome, Italy, the Colosseum was built around the year 75 AD and has a history of nearly 2,000 years. It still stands proudly in Rome, not only as an iconic structure of the Roman Empire but also as one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions.
Although many parts are now badly damaged, it’s still amazing how such a magnificent ancient building has stood for two thousand years. (Photo / murphybj4)
The Colosseum was originally used for gladiator battles, public executions, and plays based on Roman mythology. By the early Middle Ages, it had been repurposed for civilian use, including housing, workshops, and quarries.
The Colosseum attracts a huge number of tourists to Italy every year. (Photo / murphybj4)
Though the arena has suffered damage over the centuries due to earthquakes and illegal quarrying, it remains remarkably intact for a 2,000-year-old structure.
The Italian government is also working hard to maintain and restore the Colosseum. (Photo / murphybj4)
In addition to being listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, the Colosseum is also the central design of Italy’s 5-cent euro coin.
The historic Colosseum under the bright blue sky and sunshine. (Photo / murphybj4)
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