Is Rome's Colosseum falling apart?

The emblem(會旗) of the Roman Empire where gladiators(競技場裡的戰士) once fought wild beasts(野獸) and each other to entertain(招待) spectators(觀眾). Built almost 2000 years ago, the Colosseum(競技場) is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering.

Now though there are fears(恐懼) that this mighty(偉大) monument(紀念碑) may be crumbling(搖搖欲墜). Italian environmentalists(古蹟維護者) have frequently(經常) raised(提出) the alarm about the precarious state(不穩定狀態) of the Colosseum.

They claim(主張) that exhaust fumes(廢氣) and the vibrations(震動) from vehicles and a nearby subway are damaging the monument. But the Colosseum authorities say there is no cause for panic.

But there is sufficient(足夠) fear over the state of the building to warrant(保證) a US$ 33 million restoration(修復) project due to begin in March.

Kathy Harcombe, BBC News, Rome