The Colosseum and The Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

Besides St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum was the other major highlight of our trip to Rome.  The Colosseum is regarded as one of Rome's most grandiose ancient remains and it definitely is.  

The Colosseum was constructed in AD 72-80 under the Flavian emperors and was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre.  The challenging labour to build the Colosseum, the greatest of amphitheatres was carried out by a horde of Jewish slaves, brought to Rome following the suppression of their revolt in Judaea.  

In Ancient times, the Colosseum was used to host and display bloody spectacles like the massacre of animals.  It has been said that when Emperor Titus inaugurated the amphitheatre in AD 80, he declared 100 days of celebratory games, some involving the massacre of 5000 wild beasts.  Today it is one of Rome's major attractions and it really is impressive.  

The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is situated next to the Colosseum and it is visible from the western side of the Colosseum.  We walked around this area after our visit to the Colosseum and passed amongst other things the Arco di Constantino (white marble arch); the Temple of Castor and Pollux (of which only three Corinthian columns remain); and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina (one of the best preserved temples in the Roman Forum).  
Over 1000 years ago the Roman Forum was a symbol of civic pride.  Today it is a picturesque shamble of ruins.  It is amazing to think that some of these structures are still standing.