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Tourist Trap: Photo Op with Modern-day Gladiators
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“But when I approached the grand ruins of the Colosseum and looked through the gate into the interior, I must frankly confess that a shudder ran through me, and I quickly returned home.”
— Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832), April 1788
What could have scared the great German poet? Had he seen these modern-day gladiators they would not have frightened off a prospective customer. Russell Crow’s Maximus they are not. Ours, named David, was quite the showman. He admitted that his English was so good because his mother was Canadian; the image further erodes! And any need for fear.
I am not sure if this tip really belongs in the tourist traps category. Tourists do not have to patronize these actors turned gladiators. They will gladly pose for the camera; it is not surprising that it is for a price. The price we were charged was 10 euros per person. At the May 2007 exchange rate of $1.30 to the euro that adds up to $13 per person. We are not good at bargaining; therefore we did not. You may try it; it may help. Either way, it is great fun, if pricey fun.
From the Latin for swordsmen or one who uses a sword (from gladius for sword) gladiators were Ancient Rome’s professional fighters as entertainment.
They fought against each other, wild animals, and condemned criminals, sometimes to the death, in front of spectators, including the emperor, the imperial family and members of the senate. These fights took place not only in Rome’s Colosseum, but also in arenas (from the Latin for sand, with which the floor was covered) in many cities both during the Republican Era and into the time of the Empire, until its end.
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icunme Sat Jul 11, 2009 16:26 UTC
Your Rome pages prompt study, especially liked the story of the geese. Am returning to the Museo Cap tomorrow and looking for many things I read on my tour w/you. Grazie for all your work! | hunterV Sat May 9, 2009 16:14 UTC
~~ Great places to visit! Wonderful description! Thanx!~~ | breughel Thu Apr 16, 2009 13:30 UTC
Interesting details on the architecture of the Pantheon. | daddygila Sun Mar 29, 2009 17:10 UTC
Absolutely wonderful info and pictures of Vatican gardens. Will be in Rome this Easter....can't wait ! |
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