Fact Sheets & Video - Rome

The Colosseum, the greatest amphitheatre of antiquity, was built in the first century AD as a gift to the Roman citizens. The name Colosseum was introduced in medieval times and was not a reference to the size of the arena but to the Colosso di Nerone, a giant statue of Emperor Nero that stood nearby.

Its reputation as the symbol of the Eternal City dates to the Middle Ages, with Bede writing that 'while the Colosseum stands, Rome shall stand, but when the Colosseum falls, the world will end."

It is considered an architectural and engineering wonder, and remains as standing proof of both the grandeur, and the cruelty of the Roman world.

Games were held in the amphitheatre, the most popular being the hunts and the gladiatorial contests. The Roman ruling class was obliged by law and by the expectation of the people, to organize games to gain the favour of the citizens. This was an arena built for entertainment, spectacle and fights to the death.

Modern archaeologists have not yet agreed on how large a crowd the Colosseum in Rome could hold in its glory days. One authority estimates 50,000, but around 45,000 is the generally accepted figure.

In its day, the Colosseum was about 50m high and was made of limestone, brick, concrete, and marble. There were four storeys of windows, arches, and columns. To enter, spectators could choose from one of seventy-six entrances.

The Colosseum is the most visited tourist site in all of Rome - and possibly Italy - to this day.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Air Mauritius fly return to Milan- From: $1967 ex west coast; $2292 ex east coast. For more information, call Air Mauritius on

1300 658 572 Prices correct as 23/8/07. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Al'Italia fly return to Rome- From: $360 ex Milan. For more information call AlItalia on 02 9244 2400. Prices correct as 24/8/07 Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

CIT Holidays - Ancient Rome Tour, From $46 adults and $38 kids. Valid to 31/10/07. For more information call CIT Holidays on

1300 36 1500 or visit www.citholidays.com.au Prices correct as 27/8/07. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Hotel Romae- Double Room: From $234 a night, includes breakfast For more information, visit www.hotelromae.com Prices correct as 29/8/07. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Italian Government Tourist Office

PO Box Q802 - QVB NSW 1230

Level 4, 46 Market Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Ph: 02 9262 1666

Fax: 02 9262 1677

Email: italia@italiantourism.com.au

Or visit: www.italiantourism.com.au