Vespasian started the construction works in 72AD. The theatre was inaugurated by Titus in 80AD. The theatre had seats for 50000 people and they all came to watch the bloody gladiator fights and wild beast shows. The inaugural games lasted 100 days in which 5000 animals were slaughtered. In 217AD the Coliseum was repeatedly struck by lightning and all the wooden structures, which included the floor of the arena were destroyed.
