AD 80
Titus opens the Colosseum

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The new emperor Titus, who succeeds Vespasian in AD 79, opens the Colosseum in Rome. It is the biggest of the many amphitheatres that can be found in every major town and city throughout the empire. Holding about 50,000 people, the Colosseum has 80 entrances; its external walls are lined with hundreds of statue-filled arches; and a labyrinth of cells and passages under the arena floor contain hidden trap-doors and lifts to raise gladiators and animals into the staged fights-to-the-death that take place above. The arena can even be flooded to stage mock naval battles, while a huge awning can be stretched above part of the arena to protect the audience from the sun.

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