The Surprising Reason the Colosseum Is Missing Half Its Walls

If you’ve ever visited Rome or seen photos of the Colosseum, you’ve probably noticed something unusual: this world-famous amphitheater looks like it’s missing half its walls. Unlike other ancient wonders that have been restored, the Colosseum still wears its scars proudly. But why is it half broken?

The Colosseum, originally called the Flavian Amphitheater, opened in 80 AD and could seat up to 50,000 spectators. For centuries, it hosted gladiator battles, animal hunts, and even mock naval battles. But over time, both nature and humans played a part in leaving it in ruins.

First, several massive earthquakes struck Rome during the Middle Ages, including one in 1349 that caused large portions of the southern side to collapse. That’s why the Colosseum looks lopsided today — one side is missing because the quake hit hardest there.

But that wasn’t the only reason. After the Roman Empire fell, the Colosseum wasn’t used for gladiator fights anymore. Instead, it became a convenient “quarry.” Huge blocks of stone and marble were taken from the amphitheater to build churches, palaces, and other important structures in Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica, for example, contains stone that once stood in the Colosseum. Iron clamps holding the blocks together were also stolen, leaving pockmarks that you can still see today.

By the Renaissance, the Colosseum was already half ruined, but it remained a powerful symbol of Rome’s history. Artists and travelers visited the site, and eventually, efforts were made to preserve what was left. Instead of rebuilding the missing sections, the choice was made to keep the Colosseum as it was — a striking reminder of both the glory of ancient Rome and the passage of time.

Today, millions of visitors flock to the Colosseum every year to see its surviving arches and imagine the roar of the crowds that once filled it. Its broken state has even become part of its identity, showing how history leaves its mark in unexpected ways.

So the next time you see the Colosseum and wonder why it looks half gone, remember: earthquakes, looting, and centuries of change shaped it into the dramatic ruin we admire today.

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