The Colosseum is an oval-shaped amphitheater, approximately 527 meters in circumference and 189 meters in diameter at its widest point. Vespasian, Roman emperor from 69 to 73 AD, directed the construction of this structure after the infamous reign of Nero. The Colosseum used limestone, concrete, brick, marble, tile, lead, and terra cotta for pipes and sewer systems. The Colosseum featured many barrel vaults and arches in its design. The beauty of the design and the great function of the amphitheater demonstrate how extraordinary this structure was for its time. It was used to allow large masses of the public to gather and watch the horrific gladiator fights. Under the Colosseum there were underground tunnels and rooms for the men and animals used in gladiatorial combat. The grandeur of the structure was supposed to represent the “Glory of”.