Roman Colosseum Timeline

72 AD: Vespasian begins construction of the Roman Colosseum on the site of Emperor Nero's Golden Palace. World's largest Roman Amphitheater (620'x513') seating 50000 spectators, built 3 stories high out of stone and concrete.

80 AD: The Roman Colosseum is officially opened by Titus with a 100 day gladiator spectacular

110 AD: First documented martydom in the Colosseum of Rome, that of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop of Antioch

404 AD: St. Telemachus is martyred in the Colosseum of Rome

422: The Colosseum of Rome is damaged by earthquake

508: The Colosseum of Rome is damaged by earthquake again

523 AD: Last recorded animal games in the Colosseum of Rome

730 AD: First reference to the Flavian Amphitheater as the "Colosseum" by the Venerable Bede

68 AD: Emperor Nero commits suicide.

79 AD: Eruption of Mount Vesuvius; destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

315 AD: Addition of Arch Constantine near the main entrance to honor Constantine I’s victory over Mentius at Pons Milvius

Starting in 1990’s AD: Restoration to be leading attraction for tourists.

68-69 AD: Civil War.

69 AD: Period of the Four Emperors: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian.

69 - 96 AD: Flavian Dynasty; Vespasian (69-79 AD), and his sons Titus (79-81 AD) and Domitian (81-96 AD). Promotion of public welfare.

72 - 80 AD: Construction of Roman Colosseum.

500 - 1800 AD: Neglect and serving as quarry for other buildings