Why was the Colosseum built?

The infamous Roman Colosseum was an amphitheater built for the entertainment of Roman citizens, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian. While construction began approximately in 70 to 72 A.D., it was not finished until 80 A.D.

The Colosseum was used for hundreds of years as a stadium for large events. Popular events included gladiatorial battles and fights that included ferocious animals. Eventually, as these spectacles became dated, the Colosseum was rarely used and became largely neglected. The modern Colosseum is still intact but in poor condition. It is one of the largest tourist attractions in Europe. It is estimated that up to two-thirds of the building is gone.