Italy's government has given the green light the refurbishment Rome's famous ancient Colosseum. The Colosseum is one the world's most iconic sites and one the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is an oval amphitheatre the centre of the city of Rome and is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built. It was completed two millennia ago in AD 80. The plans will see the monument fitted a new floor that will allow visitors the chance to stand where Roman gladiators once fought their lives. Gladiators were used to entertain audiences during the Roman Empire fighting to the death swords against other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals.
Italy's Culture Minister Dario Franceschini announced the high-tech project and said it would open to the public 2023. It is projected to cost 18.5 million euro, or $22.2 million. The Colosseum currently has no floor. Archaeologists removed the original floor the 19th Century to expose the structure's network underground tunnels. Mr Franceschini said the new floor would be "extraordinary" and would allow visitors to see "the majesty the Colosseum" its centre. He added: "It's another step toward rebuilding the arena. It is an ambitious project that will aid the conservation the archaeological structures while getting back to the original image the Colosseum."
