Airbnb ‘Gladiator’ Experience at the Colosseum Prompts Outcry in Rome

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An initiative by officials at the monument in a partnership with Airbnb has prompted an outcry among those who feel it will demean a cultural treasure.

An aerial view of the Colosseum in Rome surrounded by other buildings and streets.
The Colosseum in 2020. Some people in Rome feel that gladiator re-enactments in the iconic amphitheater would be in poor taste.Credit…Filippo Monteforte/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

It has probably been centuries since Romans have been so feverish about happenings at the Colosseum, and it is not because of the recent release of the Ridley Scott “Gladiator” sequel.

A plan by the Colosseum and Airbnb to give a select few people the chance to unleash their “inner gladiator” at the most visited site in Italy has caused an uproar among many Romans who say its demeans a treasured cultural icon.

Over two nights in May, a total of up to 32 people will learn the art of gladiator fighting at the ancient arena, taught by Roman history buffs who specialize in historical re-enactments.

The project is a partnership between the Colosseum Archaeological Park and Airbnb, the accommodations booking platform, which donated $1.5 million to spruce up a permanent exhibit inside the arena. The aim, Airbnb said, “was to support the Colosseum’s ongoing conservation work to find new ways to inspire and educate visitors on the historical significance of this bygone era.”

But some Romans and cultural leaders have given the initiative an emphatic thumbs down. (Footnote: While the emperor made such a gesture to condemn a fighter in the original “Gladiator” movie, scholars are uncertain about the direction thumbs actually pointed in ancient arenas for such purposes.)

“We’re against transforming the Colosseum into a theme park,” said Massimiliano Smeriglio, a member of Rome’s City Council responsible for culture. He said he would soon meet with Airbnb officials to try to get the company to change its mind.


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