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."

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.

As Gladiator II hits cinemas, Airbnb and guardians of the Roman ruin team up to offer faux fights there under a deal decried as ‘a disgrace’.

In a partnership aimed at promoting what it describes as 'conscious tourism,' Airbnb has signed a $1.5 million deal with Rome's Colosseum to sponsor a series of staged gladiator fights. The sponsorship,

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,

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.

The event is held in conjunction with the upcoming release of Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" movie-an anticipated sequel to the earlier 2000's "Gladiator" film.