The "Amphitheatre," or "Hunting Theatre," wasn't loved by all in Rome. In fact, many opposed it, just like many would oppose a fight to the death sport today. But Roman citizens had many other societal choices on which to base their culture.

They had the Great Temple of Jupiter on Capitoline Hill and the vast halls, shops and libraries known as the Trojan Forum. There was also the Circus Maximus, which hosted chariot racing and held hundreds of thousands of spectators.

However, what would bring the most fame to the Colosseum was the copycats. Over 200 imitation rings were built and fully operational by the 2nd century. A couple of famous ones included Capa in Southern Italy. To the west, there was a "Shrunken Colosseum," which was recognized for being a very similar visual representation to the Colosseum, only much smaller.

The history of the Colosseum goes back to 68 AD when Emperor Nero committed suicide. The Senate passed what the modern-day equivalent of a vote of no confidence is. Following this, staff and bodyguards were deserting him. The year 69 is now given the title "Year of the Four Emperors" as four aristocrats, each with the support of one army from the middle east to Japan, burned down the great temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill. The result was the coalition's victory backing Titus, now known as Vespasian. Vespasian was the general in charge of the Roman army suppressing the Jewish Rebellion since 66. Jerusalem was captured in 70, and they returned home to celebrate the following year.

Vespasian's first task was now to reconstruct the centre of Rome and stamp his own identity on it. He rebuilt the Temple of Jupiter and constructed a vast new Temple of 'Peace,' which celebrated Rome's military success. He wanted to wipe away the memory of Nero and the fire and destruction of knowledge he represented in everyone's minds. To do this, he built a massive monument for public entertainment in a spot used for military purposes and imperial luxury. It was called the Colosseum. The public was pleased about this, and the memory of Nero was easier erased. Vespasian died in 79, and the construction was completed in 80.

Vespasian's attempt to erase Nero from everyone's mind failed ironically, though, because we currently call it The Colosseum, which historians think was derived from the colossal statue of Nero ('the Colossus'). So although it always wasn't called the Colosseum, it is to us now.

The symbolic power of the Colosseum is such a prominent part of the Roman skyline that it's easy to forget at one point; it was a massive break in tradition for Romans. Before it was built, people would watch gladiatorial shows in temporary structures. Augustus built a small amphitheatre from 31 BC to 14 AD, but it wasn't grand enough for big events and burned down in the great fire of 64 with everything else. Standard practice was to have the small wooden Colosseums taken down and put back together on the move, and significant events were hosted in the Circus Maximus.

The Colosseum was much more than a sports venue; it was a political theatre where citizens thought they were practicing true democracy because of their closeness to their rulers. The Elites discussed business contracts, promotions, alliances and marriages at the Colosseum. The Roman people witnessed their true power in numbers when they chanted together. It was a vital part of Roman life to be there, be seen and watch the fights, so much so that we remember it thousands of years later.