Massimiliano Smeriglio, Rome's councilor for culture, objected to Airbnb's idea, saying the Colosseum "must not be debased in the eyes of the world."

Plans to offer Airbnb customers the chance to take part in gladiator-style battles in Rome’s Colosseum have been decried as an insult to the UNESCO-listed ancient arena.

Airbnb might not be able to arrange an overnight stay in the Colosseum, but it will let you fight there. The vacation rental service is offering a unique experience in the historic monument as part of a promotion for the film Gladiator II,

A new promotion is sparking backlash among some housing advocates in Rome as the Roman Colosseum is set to host mock gladiator battles. ROME — The ancient Roman Colosseum will be the venue of gladiator fights — albeit staged — for the first time in two millennia under a $1.

They’re not putting the “glad” in gladiator. Airbnb has drawn plenty of ire in Europe of late, but now the short-term rental giant has outraged local lawmakers after inviting visitors to partake in a series of mock gladiator battles in Rome’s Colosseum.

Some Rome locals disapprove of Airbnb’s 2025 Colosseum experience, inspired by the box office release of ‘Gladiator II.’ The president of Rome’s Culture Commission, Erica Battaglia, worries that Airbnb’s Colosseum event doesn’t match the historical landmark‘s stature.