Who ordered the construction of the Colosseum and when did it begin?
Emperor Vespasian ordered the construction of the Colosseum in 72 AD. The project began on land that had once been Nero's private lake and palace grounds.
Questions about Colosseum
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was the Colosseum completed by Titus after Vespasian died?
Titus finished the top level of the Colosseum in 80 AD and held the inaugural games shortly after. Vespasian died before completion leaving the third story unfinished.
How many wild animals were killed during the first celebrations of the Colosseam according to Dio Cassius?
Dio Cassius recorded that over 9,000 wild animals were killed during those first celebrations. Commemorative coinage was issued to mark the event.
What is the height of the outer wall of the Colosseum and how wide is its base area?
The outer wall of the Colosseum reaches 48 meters while the elliptical plan measures 189 meters long and 156 meters wide. Over 300 tons of iron clamps held travertine stone segments together without mortar.
Who restored part of the Colosseum in 1377 and what did they do with the northern portion?
A religious order called Arciconfraternita del SS. Salvatore ad Sancta Sanctorum restored part of the building in 1377. They inhabited a northern portion until the early 19th century.