Colosseum in Rome. Cutaway and see-through artwork of the Colosseum (or Coliseum), the arena in Ancient Rome used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Started on the orders of the Emperor Vespasian, it was completed under his sons, Titus and Domitian, between AD 72 and AD 81. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, it could seat 50,000 spectators and is now one of the most recognised sights in Rome, Italy. Features shown here include ringside boxes for the wealthy and the imperial elite, awnings at the top level, underground cells and chambers for prisoners and animals, and statues of mythological figures in the exterior alcoves.