‘We are not Disneyland’: Outrage in Rome over Airbnb ‘gladiator’ battles at the Colosseum Base Bridge

The ancient Colosseum in Rome has witnessed some historic battles, with toga-clad crowds once packing the gigantic venue to watch gladiators slug it out against opponents including lions and baboons.

But, apparently, its fighting days aren’t over.

The 2,000-year-old venue is now the scene of a new epic clash — one that is emblematic of Italy’s current struggle to balance its surging post-Covid tourism industry with the needs of locals who feel under siege as their towns and cities become unlivable tourist playgrounds.

On one side of the arena is holiday rental giant Airbnb and the Colosseum Archaeological Park, which oversees the ruined structure, which is one of Rome’s most visited attractions.

The two organizations have signed a $1.5 million deal to offer 16 tourists a chance to “unleash their inner gladiator” by booking a free experience at the Colosseum as part of a tie-in to the newly released Paramount film “Gladiator II,” directed by Ridley Scott.

“You will feel the adrenaline rush, the sand between your fingers, and the weight of your armor. You will hear the echoes of gladiators past in the Colosseum’s catacombs and the unmistakable clank of steel in its arena. You will see the moon’s reflection off the travertine stone through the sweat dripping down your face. You will become a gladiator,” promises the AirBnB advertisement.

On the other side is Rome’s councilor for culture, Massimiliano Smeriglio. He has asked the rental platform to withdraw the plan, but leave the money, saying the promotion is an insult to the Colosseum’s historic stature.