Italy, Part II: Rome, Part I

Our hotel was located at the top of the Spanish Steps, and full of witty prints by the Deco artist Erte. After we'd checked in, we ambled down the Spanish Steps (which were actually built by the French, go figure), on a quest for the ... The hulking stadium was built in the first century CE, by Jewish slaves shipped in from the newly conquered Judea, and was the site of gladiatorial battles and game hunts staged for the amusement of the plebs and Senators alike (SPQR). ...