The Colosseum
(aka Coliseum) was begun in 72
A.D. by Emperor Vespasian, completed by his son
Titus in 80 A.D., and expanded during the reign
of Domitian (81-96). Officially known as the
Flavian Amphitheatre under the Roman Empire, it
is believed to have gotten its more common name
from a huge statue of Nero that once stood
nearby.