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 long
Also 620.1 ft
Major exterior axis · approximate
A little perspective
About the same scale as Gateway Arch.
Gateway Arch: The Gateway Arch is a stainless steel monument in St Louis, Missouri, commemorating the westward expansion of the United States.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Colosseum
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
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.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 189 m
For comparison, this page uses major exterior axis. This is labelled approximate; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary.
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 named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Colosseum 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
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Built worldGreat Pyramid of Giza138.5 mThe Great Pyramid of Giza is an ancient Egyptian pyramid built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu.
Around the same scale · TransportEight-car train184 mA commuter train carries passengers between urban centres and nearby suburbs or towns, usually providing frequent service for daily travellers.
Nearest higher value · Built worldGateway Arch192 mThe 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.
Built worldLeaning Tower of Pisa56 mThe Leaning Tower of Pisa is a medieval freestanding bell tower in Pisa, Italy, famous for its unintended tilt.Built worldGateway Arch192 mThe Gateway Arch is a stainless steel monument in St Louis, Missouri, commemorating the westward expansion of the United States.
SportFootball pitch105 mA football pitch is the marked rectangular playing surface used for association football.TransportEight-car train184 mA commuter train carries passengers between urban centres and nearby suburbs or towns, usually providing frequent service for daily travellers.
SpaceSaturn V110.6 mThe Saturn V was a multi-stage rocket developed by NASA to launch astronauts to the Moon during the Apollo programme.
TransportHigh-speed train200 mA high-speed train is a passenger train designed to travel much faster than conventional rail services, often between major cities.
Places10 hectare park100,000 m²A park is a green space set aside for public recreation and relaxation.