The story of the world's most famous stadium and its deadly games.

The Roman Colosseum was the work of a brilliant and energetic civilization. The Roman Colosseum was the work of a cruel and brutal civilization.

Both are true.

The Roman Colosseum was one of the most extraordinary buildings in the ancient world, a work of engineering genius whose design is imitated every time a modern stadium is built. Yet, what went on inside this building is difficult to comprehend.

Over the centuries, tens of thousands of slaves, prisoners of war, and criminals were slaughtered in the Colosseum for the entertainment of over 50,000 cheering fans. So many animals were destroyed in gruesome "hunts" staged in the arena that entire species disappeared from the Roman colonies of North Africa.

The Roman Colosseum interweaves the impressive story of the construction of this remarkable building and the sobering tale of the "games" that went on inside it. In doing so, it reveals an entire civilization in all its genius and its brutality.

Reviews
"Like others in the Wonders of the World Series, this has a picture book style and look but is packed with history... Mann explores the history and the events that led up to the building of the Colosseum, and then looks at some of the structure's unusual features which continue to have an impact on modern engineers and architects. The text is clear, informative and flows well."

Booklist

"A colorful, informative introduction to the structure and history of the gladiatorial games. The useful text provides fascinating facts about architectural and building innovations utilized in the construction of this arena... Details about gladiator training, styles of fighting and the use of wild animals reinforce the author's contention that the Colosseum is both a symbol of Rome's greatness and its brutality, A clear, well-written text and full-color drawings and paintings graphically depict the events held there."

School Library Journal