Rome is to get rid of “centurions” from under Colosseum
Legionnaires at the Colosseum | Photo: Getty Images
The authorities of the Italian capital, Rome, want to get rid of disguised legionaries and centurions from under the Colosseum, who generate a lot of profit by taking photos with themselves. One of the “actors” can earn 400 euros a day. The greedy people make a monthly profit of 12,000 euros, demanding up to 50 euros for a photo.
Commissioner Francesco Paolo Tronca recently stated that it was time to get rid of the hustlers under the Flavian Amphitheatre. In his opinion, people offering the opportunity to take a photo with them is illegal. In the past, attempts have been made to get rid of this phenomenon. A few years ago, police argued that “legionaries in disguise” were operating without proper permits. However, it did not bring any great effects. “Actors”, on the other hand, dressed in cheap sandals and helmets with feathers instead of horsehair, call themselves “street artists”.
- Michael Day, Rome to crack down on Colosseum's legionnaires and centurions who prey on tourists, "Independent", 11 November 2015

