The Colosseum makes a comeback with Oedipus Rex

For the current shows, put on by the Greek National Theatre, the audiences are limited to just 700 spectators because of the fragile state of the building.

Many of the building's upper tiers are in ruins, damaged by earthquakes and neglect.

A new wooden stage costing 1.5bn Lira has been constructed inside the arena for the event.

Fighting spirit

"The actors have to find the spirit of fighters here in the Colosseum... a performance is always a fight," the Greek National Theatre's director, Vassilis Papavassileiou, said.

"I must say it's a very emotionally charged moment for me, and for us all."

President Ciampi: Back to ancient times

The choice of a classical Greek tragedy as the opening modern performance in the Colosseum has been criticised as elitist.

Italian Culture Minister Giovanna Melandri defended the decision as a celebration of classical roots of Italian culture.

"Sophocles is one of the fundamentals of our culture, of our civilisation, and I think it is a good way to start. After 1,500 years, the Colosseum returns to its spectacular origins," Mr Melandri said.

Tourist bonus

The restoration is soon to allow tourists to visit the area under the arena where wild animals were held before being hoisted up in cages to face gladiators.

Lions, panthers, hippopotami, snakes and elephants were sent from across the Roman Empire to be slaughtered in the amphitheatre, which also hosted mock naval battles.

After 403 AD, gladiatorial battles were no longer held, but animals continued to be killed.

The Roman Catholic Church claims the huge arena as a shrine where it believes Christian martyrs were fed to the lions - a claim disputed by some historians.