The Colosseum was built in 80 A.D. Its real name is The Flavian Amphitheater and was an arena for public viewing of gladiator contests and the execution of criminals. Only one third of the original Colosseum remains. Earthquakes destroyed some of it, but most of it was carted off to build other buildings during the Renaissance. The gladiators would enter from the west end and parade around to the sound of trumpets and stop by the emperor's box to salute and raise their weapon in respect. 50,000 people would watch them battle animals brought from below the stadium floor to surprise the gladiators. If a gladiator fell helpless to the ground, his opponent would approach the emperor's box and ask, "should he live or die?" Sometimes the emperor left the decision to the crowd...thumbs up, you live....thumbs down, you die!
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