Rome declares ‘red zone’ around the Colosseum, adding extra security amid rising crime

Rome has designated the Colosseum area a "red zone," deploying 24-hour security to combat a spike in robberies, drug dealing and other crimes.

Rome’s ancient Colosseum, where gladiators were once gored by wild animals to the delight of cheering crowds, has never exactly been associated with safety. Even in fiction, Henry James’ heroine “Daisy Miller” succumbed to malaria caught during a moonlight visit to the amphitheater.