COLOSSEUM

• Read the text and write the verbs in brackets in the past simple tense:

The Roman emperor Vespasian (AD 9–79) (order) the Colosseum to be built in about AD 70. In this vast stadium, Romans (can) watch gladiators and wild animals fight to the death. The huge oval structure (take) about 10 years to build and (can) hold some 50,000 spectators, shaded from the sun by an enormous canvas canopy. The tiers of seats (be) supported on a series of arches. These (be) built with concrete, a material that the Romans (invent). The concrete (be) faced with brick or stone to give a good finish.

Inside (be) the arena, where the combats (take) place. Its wooden floor (be) covered with sand to absorb any spilled blood. The arena (can) be flooded with water so that mock sea battles (can) be held.

Below the ground (be) a maze of rooms, cages, and corridors. Here the gladiators and animals would wait before entering the arena. Lifts operated by pulleys (hoist) the caged animals through a trapdoor into the arena.