One of the great wonders of the world, The Colosseum in Rome is the epitome of living history, and one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Italy.
It’s also the location for a controversial new experience that Airbnb is hosting this November.
As part of a larger promotion for the upcoming Gladiator II film, Airbnb has an experience on November 27 and 28, for a selected few to battle within the hallowed, crumbling walls of the actual Colosseum.
Guests will be brought into the 2,000 year old arena at night (a first for modern visitors), and receive a special tour of the Colosseum’s hypogeum, the underground chambers where actual warriors prepared.
They will then snack on an authentic spread of victuals like grapes, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts. And then don period specific armor to prepare for battle.
Their host, Lucius, will then take them to the main battle stage, where they’ll use non-lethal weapons to face off and train for glory.
While this sounds pretty magical to some, it’s overexploitation of an incredibly important landmark to others. Several historians and Roman politicians are fighting to stop this commercialized event, saying Airbnb is receiving special permission where they shouldn’t Some are calling it an inappropriate ‘Disney-fication’ of true historical landmarks.
What are your thoughts on this two-day hosted event? A once-in-a-lifetime experience for a few? Or cultural desecration?
Update: Backlash against this planned event is widespread, leading both Airbnb and the Colosseum Archaeological Park to note that the event is happening at night, not when visitors are normally allowed. Airbnb also paid $1.5 million that is planned to go to restoration and preservation efforts.
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