10 World Famous Landmarks That Were Almost Destroyed

6. The Colosseum Has Been Struck By Lightning Twice

Few buildings in the world have survived as much of a battering as The Colosseum in Rome has taken down the years - but it (mostly) remains standing almost 2,000 years after it was originally constructed at the heart of the Roman Empire. Two direct lightning strikes (in 217) caused a huge fire that decimated the building's wooden support structures and its basement, but the brainchild of Emperors Vespasian and Titus (constructed between 70 and 80AD) remained upright. The gladiatorial contests that were held in front of up to 80,000 spectators continued unabated until at least the 5th Century, despite the damage that occurred. However, the iconic Colosseum that is so familiar today - with the outer south side missing - was caused by a great earthquake in 1349, which forced part of the building to collapse. Interestingly, Christian emperors also attempted to destroy the Amphitheatrum Flavium (to use its other name) between the 9th and 14th Centuries due to the fact many martyrs of their religion were killed there. Also, because of the battering the Colosseum has taken down the years, it leans to one side - and is 40cm higher at one end.