In a somewhat ludicrous mix of the past and the present, Rome is seeing clashes in the streets between modern day police and ancient Roman gladiators. The Italian city is known for its famous Coliseum, and one of the ways that people make money in the city is to dress up in gladiator costumes and pose for pictures with the tourists who come to see it. This practice has been going on for many years, though recently it has come under fire from the government.
Officials are saying that the gladiators are engaging in unethical behavior, often offering to take pictures with tourists before informing them that there’s a charge involved. In one particular incident an unaware tourist took a picture of a gladiator and was threatened when he didn’t cough up more than $100 for the privilege. There are also several other reported cases of the gladiators attempting to charge visitors $50 or more and getting angry if the tourists resist. Other complaints against the gladiators consist of not having permits and stalking tourists.
In their defense, the gladiators say that dressing up and taking the pictures is the way
they’ve been making their living for many years now, and that they’ve only recently come under attack. This is contrary to many other attractions in Rome, where gladiators are still allowed to ply their trade unmolested. To make matters even more complicated, tourists often side with the gladiators and cheer them on when police try to run them off.
Recently, with their employment under threat, the gladiators marched and staged a protest outside of the Coliseum. This led to a few scuffles between gladiators and police, though thankfully no one was disemboweled.
The question of whether the gladiators should be allowed to continue is a serious one, especially given the serious charges which have been leveled against them. Still, the powers-that-be have stated that if the actors will obey the rules, get permits and stop harassing tourists, they can stay.