Thanks to a partnership between the Colosseum and the Airbnb platform, gladiator fights will again be organized there in 2025. This collaboration, planned to mark the release of the film Gladiator II, is already causing controversy.
For the first time in around 1,600 years, Rome’s iconic Colosseum will once again host gladiator fights. How is this possible? Thanks to a partnership between Airbnb and the Colisée, organized on the occasion of the release of the film Gladiator II.
Larger than life
The short-term housing rental platform will offer a unique educational experience in May 2025. The principle is simple: from November 27, interested people will be able to send their applications. Then, a draw will select the participants for fights which will take place on May 7 and 8, 2025. These novice gladiators will be dressed as in Roman times and will take the same underground path as the gladiators of ancient Rome to join the arena. To make this event possible, Airbnb is funding the initiative to the tune of $1.5 million.
However, this announcement is already causing controversy. As reported by the media Slate, Alberto Campailla, coordinator of the non-profit organization Nonna Roma, which campaigns for housing and food for the most deprived, describes this initiative as “ shame » and denounces a form of “ touristification » of historical heritage.
