How long did it take to build the Coliseum?

The Colosseum was built in six to eight years. As part of the Roman Emperor Vespasian's vision for the glorification of Rome, the Colosseum's construction began between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD.

The hard work and manual labor needed for the Colosseum's construction was done by slaves. Quarry work and back-breaking lifting jobs were assigned to Vespasian's captive army of workers. The engineering tasks, skilled labor and artistic work was handled by professional Roman artisans. With its elaborate details and grand scale, the Colosseum came to symbolize the power and advanced culture of the Roman Empire.