One of the landmark sights of Rome, this huge amphitheater was begun in 72 AD by the Emperor Vespasian and completed in 80 AD by his son, Emperor Titus. It had a seating capacity of 56,000 and was the scene of gladiator fights. Originally covered with white marble, the structure became a quarry for new buildings in the middle ages until Pope Benedict XIV (1740-1758) consecrated the interior of the structure to the Passion of Christ thus ending this practice.