Proposal to restore Colosseum's area sparks Italy debate

A plan to transport visitors to Rome's Colosseum to the spot where gladiators fought and died by rebuilding the ancient arena's floor sparked debate in Italy on Monday. The Roman amphitheatre, which was completed in 80 AD, once had a wooden floor covered with sand which masked a series of tunnels once used to bring fighters into the arena -- but it was removed by excavators in the late 19th century. In July, archaeologist Daniele Manacorda proposed that a floor should be put back in, an idea enthusiastically taken up by cultural minister Dario Franceschini on Sunday. "I really like archaeologist Manacorda's idea to give the Colosseum back its area.