Context: The Colosseum or Coliseum (/ kɒləˈsiːəm / kol-ə-SEE-əm), also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium; Italian: Anfiteatro Flavio ( aŋfiteˈaːtro ˈflaːvjo) or Colosseo (kolosˈsɛːo) ), is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of travertine, tuff, and brick-faced concrete, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81 -- 96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius).

Question: when was the roman colosseum built and finished?
Steam of consciousness below:

To answer the question, consider the following: Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus.
So, the answer is began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72 , and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus.