The Colosseum

This oval amphitheater had 80 arched entrances that allowed more than 50,000 spectators to easily enter and exit. Seating was assigned by rank, depending on your wealth and social status. Gladiators, who were usually slaves, criminals, or prisoners of war, fought to the death for the entertainment of the Romans. Animal hunts and fights with exotic animals like elephants, tigers, lions, bears, and hippos were also staged for the crowd’s amusement.