However, there is little historical evidence to support this claim. 1749 – Finally, a bit of good fortune: After centuries of decay, Pope Benedict XIV consecrates the building and declares it must be protected, on the belief that the blood of Christian martyrs spilled in the arena made it a holy place.Some of the marble that decorated its façade was used in the construction of Saint Peter’s Basilica. The iron clamps that held the stones together are taken to be melted and reused, and the stone of its structure is scavenged and used to build other buildings throughout the city. 14th to 18th century – The Colosseum undergoes progressive degradation as its building materials are stripped to be used elsewhere in Rome.The damage, in the form of lacking parts of the structure, can still be seen today. 1349 – The building is seriously damaged in an earthquake, and an entire section of its outer walls collapses.12th century – The Frangipani family, a powerful Roman patrician clan of the time, took over the building and converted it into a fortified castle.Around this time a chapel is affixed to the building, the arena floor is used as a cemetery, and the vaulted spaces that make up the building’s walls under its seats are used as houses and workshops. Late 6th century – The Colosseum is no longer used as an amphitheater to entertain the citizenry of Rome.Mid 5th century – No exact date is known, but the last reports of gladiatorial combat in the Colosseum date from this period, although it continued to be used for hunts of wild beasts for some time afterwards.217 – A fire damages the building, destroying its wooden upper level completely.Construction would be finalized completely under Titus’s younger brother and successor Domitian in 83 AD.

80 AD – Titus, Vespasian’s son, officially dedicates the Amphitheater, also known as the Colosseum, and decrees 100 days of games for its inauguration.Vespasian viewed the Colosseum as a gift to the people of Rome - who were unhappy after the disastrous reign of Emperor Nero. 72 AD – Construction of the Flavian Amphitheater begins under Emperor Vespasian.It is said that up to 400,000 people met their end on the sands of the arena, as did one million wild animals of many different species. From the times when it was used as a gladiatorial arena and witnessed staged hunts with thousands of wild beasts to today, it has seen the Roman Empire rise to its greatest splendor… and dwindle and disappear. The Roman Colosseum has a long and rich history.

What did romans call the colosseum