Italy has given the green light to refurbish Rome's ancient Colosseum. This iconic site is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of Rome and the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built. It was completed over two millennia ago. The plans include fitting the arena with a new floor that will give visitors the chance to stand where Roman gladiators once fought for their lives. Gladiators entertained audiences during the Roman Empire by fighting to the death with swords against other gladiators, wild animals, and criminals.
Italy's Culture Minister said the high-tech project would open to the public by 2023. It is projected to cost around $22.2 million. The Colosseum currently has no floor. Archaeologists removed the original one in the 19th Century to expose a network of underground tunnels. The minister said the new floor would be "extraordinary" and would allow visitors to see "the majesty of the Colosseum". He added: "It's an ambitious project that will aid the conservation of the archaeological structures while getting back to the original image of the Colosseum."