The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, was completed in 80 AD under the emperor Titus. The Colosseum symbolizes Rome’s strength and permanence. Prior to its completion, games and events were held in wooden structures that could be torn down. In the Colosseum, seating depended on class with the senators sitting close to the stage and with social class going down as one goes higher and further away from the stage. For the Romans, form and function went hand in hand. Therefore, the colossal form of the Colosseum informs visitors of its importance within society. The games were often social events with deals being made during the events. Although most of the games involved bloodshed and even death, the animal hunts were somewhat educational in that they exposed spectators to exotic animals they did not know existed. The importance of these games to people in the time it was built is an idea that is very close to many modern-day visitors who frequent sporting events. The games gave spectators an opportunity to socialize and escape their everyday lives for the day. The beautiful architecture of the Colosseum is ironic considering the horrible things that occurred inside its walls. However, without a universalized value of all lives as was brought to the area by Christianity, spectators had less of a problem watching executions and deaths since they assumed no responsibility for what happened in the arena.