Final answer:
The Roman emperors hosted events in the Colosseum to display power, control the people, and gain popularity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roman emperors went to such lengths and bore such expense to host events in the Colosseum for several reasons. Firstly, it was a display of their power and wealth, serving as a symbol to the people of their dominance over the empire. Secondly, it was a way to keep the people entertained and distracted from their daily struggles, serving as a form of social control. Lastly, it was a means for the emperors to gain popularity and boost their political standing by showing generosity and providing entertainment to the masses.
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