Ancient Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Murders & Imperial Blood
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Uncover the darker side of Ancient Rome on this ghost-filled walking tour through the city’s bloodstained past.
From the assassination of Julius Caesar to haunted imperial palaces and cursed streets, you’ll explore the stories history books prefer to forget.
Hear of emperors murdered by their own guards, empresses executed in scandal, and traitors left to rot on the Gemonian Steps.
Walk through the old Suburra — once home to brothels and riots — and end with a chilling view of the Colosseum, where death became public entertainment.
Led by expert storytellers, this tour blends real history with eerie legends from Roman writers and ancient accounts. It’s not about costumes or gimmicks — just strange tales, violent ends, and the lingering presence of the past.
If you’re looking for a Rome ghost tour that’s smart, spooky, and steeped in truth, this is it.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Area Sacra di Largo Argentina
Stand above the very site where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE. Hear the story of his brutal murder, the chaos that followed, and the chilling legends of his ghost returning to haunt the men who betrayed him.
Teatro di Marcello
View the ruins of Rome’s oldest surviving theatre and learn about Livia, the empress accused of eliminating rivals — including her own stepson — to secure the throne for her son. Discover how imperial ambition may have been laced with poison.
What‘s Included
Expert English-speaking storyteller guide
Small group experience (max 15 guests) for a more personal atmosphere
Guided 2-hour walking tour of Ancient Rome’s dark history and ghost stories
Entry to archaeological sites or museums (the tour takes place outdoors)
A stop will be made for optional snacks and drinks
Optional
Options
Ancient Rome's Dark Side: Ghosts, Murders & Imperial Blood
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
Nicole M,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour and the guide was very knowledgeable and kind. Small group which was really great. Highly recommend.
Ancient Rome’s Dark Side
Alexandra S,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved Ben! He was very knowledgeable & answered any & all questions you had. He had visual aids to assist, too! He knew so much about Rome and its history. You truly learn so so much on this tour. We would highly recommend if you’re interested in learning about Rome and the dark side of the history!
Very interesting!
Jeannette G,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great! The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Worth the experience!
Great experience
Jamie M,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lots of information and great photo opportunities. Perfect time of day to explore the city. Recommend comfortable shoes.
GREAT!!
277silvijap,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Ariell was GREAT! I highly recommend! Love from Croatia! AQUA TOFANAAAAA! 💪💪
Darkly delightful!!!
504simonelli,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ivana is a lovely storyteller and engaging guide, weaving tales of Rome’s dark history that kept us delighted the whole night. With a cafe stop for hot cocoa and a multitude of historical sites, it was one of our favorite experiences of the trip: book now or regret it !
It was great learning the...
Juan A,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great learning the dark side of history. Ben our tour guide was friendly and very knowledgable.
Romes dark side
Shaun C,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Due to me being temporarily navigationally embarrassed, we very nearly missed the start of the tour. I messaged the tour operator in a bit of a panic, but our guide Ben replied quickly and kindly said not to worry — he’d wait for us. That level of customer service immediately set the tone. After arriving a few minutes late, we jumped straight into the darker side of Rome’s history — murders, ghosts, political intrigue, and even the lengths some mothers would go to in order to make sure their sons ended up on the throne. The storytelling was brilliant and really brought the history to life. There was also a well-timed stop for a beer along the way, and we were shown the cursed steps where the king’s daughter famously rode her chariot over him. Ben was funny, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable, and he made the whole experience engaging from start to finish. I would thoroughly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Rome — just make sure you know where you’re going… or hope you get a guide as patient as Ben!
Fun evening experience
664mandir,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family (two adults and two teens) really enjoyed this tour. It was a fantastic and engaging way to learn Roman history and our guide (I believe Ben was his name) was very personable and also gave us advice on restaurants and other sights.
Fascinating tour, highly recommend!
M2831RVtraceym,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fascinating tour this was. Ivana was amazing, she explained everything clearly which is difficult to do given the complex and vast history of the city. It was so interesting to hear the real-life twisted stories of the Emperors and visit the sites in which many historical, dark things happened. We visited many places we wouldn’t have got to see otherwise. I couldn’t recommend this tour enough, thank you so much!
From €25.00
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Operated by Dark Side City Tours