Shelby--Colosseum

__ Colosseum __ If you’ve never been to the Roman Colosseum you should be going soon. Its Roman architecture is so beautiful and gorgeous. The elliptical ampitheatre is located in the center of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. (Josephine Sander Hausam) Starting between 70 or 76 a.d., it was finally finished in 80 a.d. (Darlene Geis) The Colosseum was built by the emperor, Vesepasian. It was built for Titus. Being built near the giant statue of Colossus, is how it got its name. It was built on the site of an artificial lake. About 6 years of hard work it was finished at 161 ft. high, the base was 6 acres long, and it can fit up to 50,000 spectators. Right after being built, Titus opened the Colosseum to the public to watch events that were held there. (Darlene Geis) Spectators would enter the Colosseum through 80 arched entry ways at the bottom level. (David and Patricia Armentrout) After entering, people would sit according to their social class. (Darlene Geis) In the fight, there would be 2 gladiators that fought. These gladiators are trained fighters. (David and Patricia Armentrout) Some gladiators were slaves, others were prisoners, and some were even volunteers. (Josephine Sander Hausam) Since then, sections of the Colosseum have been destroyed in earthquakes. Unfortunately, today, you can no longer see the beautiful workmanship of the ancient Romans. Also, the statue next to the Colosseum is no longer. (David and Patricia Armentrout) Today, you can go visit this beautiful Roman Colosseum. Although it’s not new, everyone will like it. The use of it now is for people to visit. It is a big tourist site in Rome. People from all over the world travel to see the Roman Colosseum. One can take a tour for 10 Euros. The Roman Colosseum is one of the most visited places in Italy today. People have different opinions of the future of the Colosseum. It won’t be torn down or change because it is a historic site. It won’t change either because there’s not much you can do with the Colosseum. ** Works cited  ** Armentrout, David and Patricia. // Treasures from Italy. // Florida: The Rourke Book Company, 2001. Geis, Darlene. // Let’s Travel in Italy. // Canada: Children’s press, 1961. Hausam, Josephine Sander. // Countries of the World Italy. // Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Gareth Stevens, 1999. Kulbly, Herbert and the editors of LIFE. // Life World Library ITALY. // New York: C.D. Jackson, 1961. A View on Cities. Colosseum. www.aviewoncities.com