• Mauro Scrobogna / AP

    Experts check on the Rome's Colosseum after reports that bits of rock have fallen from its hulk in the last days, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. Witnesses reported seeing the fallen masonry Sunday. Italian news agency ANSA reported another bit fell Tuesday, but Colosseum director Rossella Rea denied it and blamed the false report on a "psychosis" that occurs every so often that Rome's iconic stadium is crumbling. A $33 million restoration, paid for by Diego Della Valle, founder of shoemaker Tod's, is set to begin in March.

    Italy probes report that Colosseum stones fall

    AP reports: ROME — Italy's culture ministry said Wednesday that it is investigating reports that bits of rock have fallen from the Colosseum.

    Witnesses reported seeing the fallen masonry Sunday. Italian news agency ANSA reported another bit fell Tuesday, but Colosseum director Rossella Rea denied it and blamed the false report on a "psychosis" that occurs every so often that Rome's iconic stadium is crumbling.

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  • AGF via Rex Features

    Modern-day gladiator impersonators are arrested outside the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, on August 10. Italian police have arrested gladiator impersonators in an undercover sting aimed at ending a violent racket that exploited tourists.

    'Gladiator' arrested outside Rome's Colosseum

    msnbc.com reports:

    Some 20 "gladiators" or "centurions" have been arrested outside some of Rome's most famous tourist sites, in an undercover sting by police aimed at breaking up a violent racket targeting tourists, according to reports.

    The AFP news agency said police had disguised themselves as gladiators, garbage men and members of the public to make the arrests. Continue reading.