What happened to the missing half of the Colosseum?

The short answer is: earthquakes and popes, in that order. For much more on the life and death of the Colosseum - and many other fascinating facts about the classical world - check out my book “Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans.” If you're interested in booking a tour of the Colosseum, I recommend Through Eternity Tours, a Rome-based…