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LANDMARK OF ITALY THE COLOSSEUM The Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles (for only a short time as the hypogeum was soon filled in with mechanisms to support the other activities), animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions. The Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.