Which emperor began construction of the Colosseum? (r. 69-79 AD)

The story behind the answer

Vespasian (r. 69–79 AD) began building the Colosseum around 72 AD. Known then as the Flavian Amphitheatre, it rose on the site of Nero’s private lake, symbolically returning land to the Roman people. Funded largely by spoils from the Jewish War, it showcased Flavian stability after the chaos of 69 AD. Titus, Vespasian’s son, inaugurated it in 80, and Domitian later added features like the hypogeum (underground chambers).

Remember it with V–T–D: Vespasian builds, Titus debuts, Domitian develops. Nerva and Trajan ruled later and weren’t involved.