In 72 AD, the emperor Vespasian ordered construction of this oval-shaped stone amphitheatre. The Coliseum was 49 m high, 188 m long, and 156 m wide, and could hold 50,000 people. The shows, called 'games,' took place in the centre of the arena as spectators sat in the tiers of seats throughout the amphitheatre. You could watch gladiators fighting each other or savage beasts. You could also watch executions: those condemned to die were either crucified or thrown to the lions.
