The original name for the Colosseum is the Anfiteatrum Flavium. It was built by emperor Vespasiano and inaugurated in 80 A.D.
In ancient times it was the site of the "Naumachie" or navy-battles, the "Munera" or gladiator-fights,and the "Venationes" or wild animal-hunts.It could hold up to 87.000 people.