Airbnb Plans Gladiator Battles at Rome's Colosseum

The Colosseum in Rome is slated to host staged gladiatorial battles for the first time in two millennia, thanks to a $1.5 million sponsorship deal with Airbnb, coinciding with the release of Ridley Scott's film 'Gladiator II'. While the event promises an immersive experience for 16 participants, including candle-lit tours and mock battles, it has ignited significant backlash from locals and cultural officials who argue it reduces the historic monument to mere entertainment. Massimiliano Smeriglio, head of Rome’s Culture Commission, criticized the initiative, emphasizing that the Colosseum should not become a theme park and calling the event a reflection of hyper-tourism. Critics assert that such activities contribute to overtourism and impact local housing, echoing broader concerns about short-term rental platforms. Airbnb maintains that the sponsorship will help fund educational initiatives at the site. Despite the financial backing, the controversy surrounding the event underscores ongoing tensions between tourism and cultural preservation in Rome.