Reports that bits of rock have fallen from the Colosseum, are being investigated by the Italian culture ministry.

Witnesses reported seeing the fallen masonry last weekend.

And Italian news agency Ansa reported that another bit fell on Tuesday.

But Colosseum director Rossella Rea denied the claims and blamed the false report on a “psychosis” that occurs every so often that Rome’s stadium is crumbling.

The Italian environmental group Legambiente, has frequently raised alarm bells con-cerning the precarious state of the Colosseum.

It blames car exhaust fumes and vibrations from vehicles and a nearby subway for the damage to the building’s travertine exterior and brick and tufa interior.

A €25 million restoration plan, paid for by Diego Della Valle, founder of shoemaker Tod’s, is set to begin in March.

Historical facts

• The Roman Colosseum or Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was commisioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian.

• It was completed by his son, Titus, in AD 80, with later improvements by Domitian.

• The Colosseum is located just east of the Roman Forum and was built to a practical design.

• The Coliseum is huge, an ellipse 188 metre long and 156 wide.

• It has 80 arched entrances allowing easy access to 55,000 spectators, who were seated according to rank.

• Originally 240 masts were attached to stone corbels on the fourth level.

• Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome.