The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was built under the rule of the Flavian emperors of Rome. Construction began around AD 70–72 under Emperor Vespasian, who initiated the project as part of his effort to restore public faith and give back to the Roman people after the excesses of Emperor Nero. Vespasian funded the construction using spoils taken from the Jewish Temple after the First Jewish–Roman War in 70 AD
. After Vespasian's death in 79 AD, his son Titus completed the Colosseum, officially dedicating it in AD 80 with grand inaugural games. Later, the younger son Domitian added the top story and made further enhancements, including the construction of the hypogeum, a complex underground network of tunnels and chambers used to house animals and gladiators
. The actual labor force included tens of thousands of Jewish slaves brought to Rome after the sack of Jerusalem, alongside skilled Roman engineers, builders, and artisans who carried out specialized tasks
. In summary:
- Initiated by: Emperor Vespasian (AD 70–72)
- Completed and inaugurated by: Emperor Titus (AD 80)
- Further additions by: Emperor Domitian
- Labor force: Primarily Jewish slaves and Roman craftsmen
- Funding: Spoils from the Jewish Temple after the First Jewish–Roman War
No specific architect's name survives, as Roman tradition credited the emperor rather than individual designers
. The Colosseum remains a monumental symbol of Roman engineering and imperial power.
