The legacy that was Rome

A "gladiator" photographed from a distance at the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy. Some of these "warriors" encourage tourists to take close-up photos with them and then demand 20 euros for the privilege. Others are more ethical and state their price for a photo in advance. Sometimes, turf wars occur between the resident "gladiator" and a costumed newcomer. This man has his eyes on an approaching tourist.

"Last week, police arrested 20 people accused of threatening visitors, as well as other insurgent wannabe-gladiators trying to invade the tourist-packed turf. For months, tourism agencies had denounced members of seven Italian families --- many of them with a long list of criminal records --- for trying to monopolize the gladiator business."

August 2011 article. www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/16/fake-roman-gladiators-r...

Alas, nothing is like it seems.

ODT: Use a prop



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