Fake gladiators bilk tourists
The week's news at a glance.
Rome
The city of Rome has imposed regulations governing costumed characters who pose for pictures outside the Colosseum. Italian men have long earned extra cash by dressing as gladiators from ancient Rome and encouraging tourists to snap their photos. Then they demand money from the photographers, usually around $5 per shot. Shocked tourists complain of being pressured into paying up—and by men who aren’t even photogenic. “They’re not exactly like Russell Crowe,” scam victim Suzi Berg told the BBC. Under the new rules, the gladiators will be required to post their prices prominently.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.