<P> The Colosseum or Coliseum ( / kɒləˈsiːəm / kol - ə - SEE - əm ) , also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre ( Latin : Amphitheatrum Flavium ; Italian : Anfiteatro Flavio ( aŋfiteˈaːtro ˈflaːvjo ) or Colosseo ( kolosˈsɛːo ) ) , is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome , Italy . Built of travertine , tuff , and brick - faced concrete , it is the largest amphitheatre ever built . The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum . Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72 , and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus . Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian ( 81 -- 96 ) . These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty , and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name ( Flavius ) . </P>
<P> The Colosseum or Coliseum ( / kɒləˈsiːəm / kol - ə - SEE - əm ) , also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre ( Latin : Amphitheatrum Flavium ; Italian : Anfiteatro Flavio ( aŋfiteˈaːtro ˈflaːvjo ) or Colosseo ( kolosˈsɛːo ) ) , is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome , Italy . Built of travertine , tuff , and brick - faced concrete , it is the largest amphitheatre ever built . The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum . Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72 , and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus . Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian ( 81 -- 96 ) . These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty , and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name ( Flavius ) . </P>
when was the colosseum in rome italy built
when was the colosseum in rome italy built
AD 80
AD 80