ITALIAN PRESS RELEASE

Hostilities have risen across Italy following the investment of the Colosseum by the infamous 'advocates for the reinstatement of the Roman Empire' (ARRE). The terrorists, who appear to be wearing gladiator outfits, hold the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, hostage. Their leader has ordered the publication of the following statement: "My name is MAXIMUS DECIMUS MERIDIUS, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. I will have my vengeance, by re-conquering the territories that belong to the Roman Empire." Riots are outbursting throughout the Republic. It seems like the ARRE receive support from a majority of the Italians (soon to be Romans).