text: In contrast to many other amphitheatres , which were located on the outskirts of a city , the Colosseum was constructed in the city center ; in effect , placing it both literally and symbolically at the heart of Rome .
simplified: Usually in Roman cities , the amphitheatres were built on the edge of the city . The Colosseum was built in the city center ; in effect , placing it in the real and symbolic heart of Rome .