colosseum was first called the flavian amphitheatre or in latin, the amphitheatrum flavium. this was after vespasian and titus who had the family name of "flavius". it was used for gladiatorial contests, and other shows like "animal hunts", in which animals would hunt and eat prisoners; or in which gladiators would fight against animals. there were also executions of prisoners, plays, and battle scenes; sometimes it was filled with water to fight sea battles. the people of rome could go into the colosseum without any costs; it was free.