The Colosseum

Our second foray in Rome was to the Colosseum, a place known for not being as nice to Christians as St. Peter's Basilica. I had read earlier on the internet that they had opened up the bottom of the colosseum where the animals, gladiators, and those to be executed were kept, but that didn't prove to be the case when we were there.
It was smaller than I had expected (apparently a common refrain from first-time visitors), but then maybe I'm jade by the humongous modern-era coliseums known as football stadiums.

Reduced over the years from stone-robbers, earthquakes, fires, tourists, weather and general neglect, it nevertheless is an impressive structure. Sitting quietly inside, one can almost hear the cries of those who died for the entertainment of the Romans.

 Walking from St. Peter's Basilica to the Colosseum, we passed Castel Sant'Angelo (or Hadrian's Tomb). If you saw Angels and Demons, you may remember it as the last refuge of the Illuminati.

Crossing the Tiber on the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, looking at the Ponte Sant'Angelo.

 The Colosseum held about 50-70,000 people, depending on the source.

View down into the underground area.

 Not too comfortable seating. No cup holders either.

 Originally three stories all the way around.

 View outside of the Colosseum towards the Arco di Constantine. Rome is one big open air museum!

Where it all happened.

 Marble bust of a horse recently found on the grounds.

Quite a diversity in building materials.

Thinking of Russell Crowe in Gladiator!

Peace my friends.