The interior of the Colosseum in Rome. The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheathre. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman engineering and architecture. Originally the Flavian Amphitheatre, construction of the Colosseum began under the rule of the Emperor Vespasian in around 70 – 72 AD. The top level was finished and inaugurated in 80 AD by his son Titus. Over 9000 wild animals were said to have been killed during the inaugural games. The photo shows some aspects of the hypogeum or underground sections. The floor on which the Gladiators fought for their lives to entertain the ancient Romans, has completely collapsed. Photo shot in the afternoon sunlight; horizontal format. Copy space. © Mano Chandra Dhas