Rome Seeks Sponsors To Repair Colosseum

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, needs urgent repairs to a cost of around $8 million, to prevent the collapse of its facade. Rome is seeking international sponsors to help fund the repairs.

According to Francesco Giro, undersecretary for culture and heritage in Rome, pieces are falling off the historic building, and a huge intervention is needed to save it. The Colosseum, also known as the Roman Coliseum, is around 2000 years old, and used to be known as the Flavian Amphitheater as it was constructed during the Flavian Dynasty. Construction of the 50,000 seat theatre was ordered by emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and completed in AD 80, one year after the emperor's death. It hosted vicious fights between slaves, gladiators and animals.

The Colosseum is 160 feet high (48 m) and has more than 80 entrances.