Emperor Vespasian & the Colosseum

Museo Nazionale Romano

Bust of Emperor Vespasian

---

The emperor Vespasian, who reigned from 69 to 79, founded the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire for 27 years. 

Amongst his many achievements, the emperor Vespasian commissioned the building of the largest amphitheatre in the world, which, centuries later, came to be known as the Colosseum. At the time it was built, it was called the Amphiteatrum Flavium. 

• Related post: Why is the Colosseum called the Colosseum?