The Dark Side of History Blog

Castel Sant'Angelo and the Bridge of Angels reflected in the Tiber River at night — dark history of Rome

Untouchable in Rome? Power and Corruption in History

From the Cenci family to Sejanus, Caravaggio to Bernini - Rome's dark history is full...
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Castel Sant Angelo illuminated at night on the banks of the Tiber during a Rome ghost tour

Is Rome Haunted? The Dark History Behind the City’s Ghost Stories

Is Rome haunted? Yes. Quite badly, really. By day, Rome is all fountains, polished stone,...
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7 Powerful Women Who Shaped the Dark History of Rome

International Women’s Day edition: for anyone who prefers their feminist icons with a crown, a...
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Giulia Tofana

Giulia Tofana & Acqua Tofana: The Poison That Terrified Rome

Rome keeps its worst stories behind very pretty walls. Few are prettier, or worse, than...
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Lemuria and the Lemures

How Ancient Romans Tried to Keep Ghosts Away
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giordano bruno campo de'fiori rome

The Burning Truth of Giordano Bruno

Campo de’ Fiori spends its mornings being charming. Flower stalls, fruit stacked in pyramids, tourists...
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The Tale of Beatrice Cenci

Rome’s Most Tragic Ghost Story
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