In Roman times, what exactly went on in the Colosseum? And why is the central part called "arena?" Marika and Daniela take you on a fascinating journey back to the times of the gladiators.

Marika and Daniela tell us about the horrors that went on inside the Colosseum in Roman times, but also about the special, more peace-loving role the Colosseum has today. Discover, among other things, where the the gesture of thumbs down comes from!

Idiomatic expressions are often difficult to translate or to find in a dictionary. Marika helps us out, using clips from La Ladra already present in Yabla's library.

Here are some more idiomatic expressions from La Ladra. They involve music, horses, and sweets.

Chiudere il cerchio, mancare all'appello, mettercela tutta, and non c'è verso di are the four idomatic expression Marika explains in this video. Let's find out what they mean. The third expression is actually un verbo pronominale.

With examples from La Ladra, Marika explains some common but hard-to-translate, colloquial Italian expressions: pizzicare qualcuno, fare le corna and essere nei pasticci.

The popular TV series Commissioner Manara takes place in Tuscany, so in this video, Marika explains some of the peculiarities of Tuscan speech. She also gives some important tips about using articles when referring to family members.

There are a couple of words in particular that Italians like to repeat over and over again to forcefully encourage an action. Marika talks about these and other repeated words in the Commissioner Manara series.

Some idiomatic expressions need some explanation and Marika is here to do just that, this time using examples from the popular TV series, Commissario Manara. You'll be speaking Italian like a native in no time.

Marika explains some of the idiomatic expressions used in the TV series, Commissario Manara. These expressions are ones Italians use every day in dealing with other people, so you won't want to miss this.

Maria Inglese, an Italo-German artist, sings a famous song by Lucio Dalla, dedicated to the Neapolitan opera singer Enrico Caruso. Even though the song uses ti voglio bene, the generally less romantic version of "I love you," it was likely meant romantically here, as Caruso had fallen in love with and married a younger woman shortly before his death.

Marco Mengoni was greatly influenced by Muhammad Ali, by his stand on religious and racial freedom, as well as by his physical and mental courage in the ring. This song makes the connection.

The Region of the Marches, on the Adriatic coast of Italy, is lesser known than other regions, but there is lots to see here, with its long coastline and jewel-like cities.

Manuel is on the phone, being dunned, and he doesn’t know how repay his debts. Video provided by pa74music.

Manuel and his brother argue about their inheritance. Who should get the house? Who should get the photography studio? Video provided by pa74music.