The construction of the Colosseum began around the year 72 CE under Emperor Vespasian. Before Vespasian, Rome was ruled by the tyrannical Emperor Nero, who had built himself a magnificent palace on a large plot of land. After Nero was dethroned, Vespasian took some of this land back and ordered the construction of the Colosseum as a gift to the Roman people. However, Vespasian would not live to see its completion. It was finished eight years later under the reign of Vespasian's son, Emperor Titus. For hundreds of years afterward, Roman emperors funded elaborate spectacles in the amphitheater and sometimes even provided free food and drinks for the audience. People from all classes of Roman society attended the events that unfolded within the Colosseum's walls.
What is most likely the reason that the author included this detail in the passage?
To support the idea that Vespasian was inspired by Nero’s accomplishments
To illustrate the point that Vespasian and Nero had similar priorities as emperors
To explain why Roman’s citizens felt Nero was a better emperor than Vespasian
To suggest that Vespasian built the colosseum in part to contrast himself with Nero
To suggest that Vespasian built the colosseum in part to contrast himself with Nero
To suggest that Vespasian built the Colosseum as a gift to the Roman people
To suggest that Vespasian built the Colosseum in part to contrast himself with Nero.
The passage mentions that Vespasian took back some of the land that Nero had used for his palace and ordered the construction of the Colosseum as a gift to the Roman people. This detail implies that Vespasian wanted to create something for the people that was grand and beneficial, in contrast to Nero's self-indulgent palace. By including this detail, the author is suggesting that Vespasian's construction of the Colosseum was a deliberate choice to highlight his differences and distance himself from Nero's tyrannical rule.