The Colosseum is the original sports arena. Construction began in 72 A.D. and the arena had seating for over 50,000 fans that were arranged by rank and wealth. But the fans didn't come to watch football or soccer. They came for blood sports: armed combat between trained fighters known as gladiators, perhaps with a few exotic animals such as lions, tigers, and rhinos, thrown in the ring.

The gladiators were classified in a way similar as today's wrestlers or boxers, in categories and classes. Many of the fights were to the death. Most gladiators were not volunteers they were slaves, convicted criminals or prisoners of war. It was possible to earn their freedom if they fought well and survived the battles.

The building itself was an amazing feat of construction and engineering. Built of masonry and cut stone with Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns and pilasters, the Colosseum is truly one of the great buildings of the Roman Empire.

Interior view of the Colosseum

All that remains of the Colosseum today is the skeletal ruins of the once great amphitheatre. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Colosseum and see the remains of the underground cages and cells where the animals and gladiators were held when the floor was still on the Colosseum. Sit in the spectator seats and try to image what it would have been like 2,000 years ago to attend an event in the amphitheatre.

After touring the Colosseum, many visitors also take in the nearby Roman Forum, where all decisions of the Roman government were made with the help of Roman citizens. You can stroll past the Arch of Constantine, built in 315 AD to commemorate the victory of the Empire Constantine over Maxentius. Constantine would go on to become the first Christian emperor of Rome.

Rome is an ancient city, and like an old warrior, it proudly displays its history to those who care to see it. No visit to Italy would be complete with out a visit to the Colosseum in the center of what once was the capital city of greatest empire of ancient Europe.