THE ROMAN COLOSSEUM.

The article features the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. This structure was officially dedicated the year after the death of Roman emperor Vespasian by his son Titus. The size of gladiatorial combats and other games held in the amphitheater have increased as each emperor attempted to outdo his predecessor. Early in the 5th century, Roman legislators have passed a law forbidding gladiatorial combat. As a result of a 9th century earthquake, half of the Colloseum's outer shell has collapsed.