The Colosseum of ancient Rome represents possibly one of the most impressive achievements of Roman architecture, characterized by the diversity of construction techniques employed in its construction. The pilasters and arches were erected using travertine, carefully laid without the need for mortar. Similarly, tuff was used in the lower sections and in the sub-basements, often securing these blocks with metal staples. A notable innovation was the use of vaults supported by wooden falsework, over which cement mortar was poured directly, thus lightening the structure.

The location of the building, which was over a lagoon, required the excavation of up to 14 meters of unusable silt and the construction of a solid foundation of approximately 13 meters of opus cementicium, composed of alternating layers of lime mortar and stone.