ReadersDigestAustraliaNewZealand-March2018

Despite damage

over the years, the

Colosseum remains

a majestic sight

PHOTO: ISTOCK

THE COLOSSEUMRome’s Colosseum

was commissioned by the Emperor

VespasianinAD72onthemarshy

site of a lake. Here deadly gladiatorial

combats and wild animal fights

were staged free of charge for public

viewing. While practical in design,

with 80 arched entrances to allow

easy access for an estimated 55,000

spectators, the Colosseum is also a

building of great classical beauty.

HAGIA SOPHIAThe ‘Church of the

Holy Wisdom’, Hagia Sophia is among

the world’s greatest architectural

achievements. More than 1400

years old, it stands as a testament

to the sophistication of 6th-century

Constantinople, and had a huge

influence on architecture in later

centuries. In the 15th century, the

Ottomans converted it into a mosque:

the minarets, tombs and fountains

date from this period.

THE GREAT PYRAMIDPharaoh

Khufu’s pyramid, commonly called

the Great Pyramid of Giza, was

SeetheWorld’sGreatest

Engineering Marvels

TRAVEL

22 | March• 2018