Roman Colosseum: The World's Largest Existing Arena

The Roman Colosseum is the largest of the six existing arenas in the world and the only one with a four-story architectural structure. Built 2,000 years ago, it could accommodate 90,000 people and is considered one of the Eight Wonders of the World. To commemorate the Roman Empire's conquest of Jerusalem, it is said that 80,000 Jewish captives were forced into labor, completing the construction in just eight years—a speed that seemed almost magical in Europe. This marks the fourth arena I've visited. Although I couldn't secure tickets for the top floor and underground chambers, I managed to get general admission tickets. The second-floor corridor features a historical artifact exhibition with explanations in three languages 💡. One particularly interesting artifact is a book titled 'Mirabilia Urbis,' a travel guide for pilgrims. It records that the Roman Colosseum was once likened to a temple dedicated to pagan gods. During the Middle Ages, it indeed became a site for fortune-tellers to perform necromancy. Reflecting on its history, the Colosseum is inseparable from themes of slaughter and paganism, steeped in bloodshed and mysticism. My admiration for it has waned. Yet, recalling my past longing to visit, I felt an inexplicable certainty: 'I know that one day, I will come here.' And indeed, I have.