Which figure wrote about the opening of the Colosseum in ancient Rome?

Martial is the correct choice because he wrote a series of epigrams that celebrate various aspects of Roman life, including the opening of the Colosseum. His work is notable for capturing the cultural and social dynamics of the time, providing insight into the public spectacles that were pivotal to Roman entertainment and society. In his epigrams, Martial often focused on themes of urban life, celebrations, and the grandeur of Rome, which includes references to monumental events like the inauguration of the Colosseum.

While Tacitus, Statius, and Silius Italicus were all important literary figures in ancient Rome, their works did not specifically address the opening of the Colosseum in the same way. Tacitus is known for his historical writings, Statius for his epic poetry, and Silius Italicus for his lengthy epic that retells the Second Punic War. None of these authors highlighted this significant architectural milestone with the same vivid detail and personal flair as Martial did, making his work particularly relevant in this context.