Colosseum
The Colosseum is an ancient Roman amphitheatre in Rome built for public events such as gladiatorial contests.
Also known as: Flavian Amphitheatre
How big is it?
189 m · major exterior axis
Also 620.1 ft
Major exterior axis · approximate
A little perspective
Colosseum vs Gateway Arch: length comparison
The overall height of the Gateway Arch is about 1.02 times the major exterior axis of the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is an ancient Roman amphitheatre in Rome built for public events such as gladiatorial contests.
The Gateway Arch is a stainless steel monument in St Louis, Missouri, commemorating the westward expansion of the United States.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Colosseum
Major exterior axis: 189 m; approximate.
The elliptical Colosseum is about 189 m by 156 m and originally stood approximately 48 m high. The reconstructed elevation is a comparison illustration, not a survey of the modern ruin.
Parco archeologico del Colosseo — The Colosseum
The marked major exterior axis is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Gateway Arch
Overall height: 192 m; specified; range 191 m–193 m.
The Gateway Arch rises approximately 192 m (630 ft) from ground to apex. Its width is also about 630 ft, but this entity defaults to height.
US National Park Service — Gateway Arch facts
The marked overall height is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 189 m
We compare the major exterior axis of the Colosseum. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty.
The elliptical Colosseum is about 189 m by 156 m and originally stood approximately 48 m high. The reconstructed elevation is a comparison illustration, not a survey of the modern ruin.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 m | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 156 m | Not recorded | approximate | |
| 48 m | 48 m to 50 m | approximate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueBuildings and structuresGreat Pyramid of Giza138.5 mHeightThe Great Pyramid of Giza is an ancient Egyptian pyramid built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu.
Around the same scaleVehicles and transportEight-car train184 mLengthA commuter train carries passengers between urban centres and nearby suburbs or towns, usually providing frequent service for daily travellers.
Nearest higher valueBuildings and structuresGateway Arch192 mOverall heightThe Gateway Arch is a stainless steel monument in St Louis, Missouri, commemorating the westward expansion of the United States.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Parco archeologico del Colosseo — The ColosseumAmphitheatre exterior axes and original facade-height context.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Built worldGreat Pyramid of Giza138.5 mThe Great Pyramid of Giza is an ancient Egyptian pyramid built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu.
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