The Colosseum is one of the most famous monuments of Ancient Rome and is located in Rome. It was built nearly 2,000 years ago during the Roman Empire and remains a symbol of Roman culture, power, and engineering. Construction began in 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD by his son, Titus. The amphitheater was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre because it was built by the Flavian dynasty.