Rome is really preparing to “relive” what happened during the'Empire, when gladiators challenged each other in the Colosseum arena? A agreement between Airbnb and Colosseum Archaeological Park (Park) provides that a group of 16 tourists can experience – soon and first-hand – this “unique attendee experience“. The collaboration, with funding of 1,5 million dollars on the part of Airbnb, supports the project “The Colosseum tells its story”, which includes the renovation of the museum itinerary and the permanent exhibitions in the amphitheater. A chorus of fierce criticism greeted the news: first of all, the residents lashed out against the project, calling it of “low cultural value”. The Municipality of Rome also intervened, asking to stop the show.
Gladiators return to fight in the Colosseum
But what does the initiative envisage? On 7 and 8 May 2025, the selected tourists they will be able to descend, for free, in the shoes of the Roman gladiators, entering the Colosseum after the evening closing. The tour guide will accompany them to the hypogeum, the network of underground corridors that ancient fighters passed through before going up to the arena. Here, thanks to the support of the historical reenactment associations Ars Dimicandi and Gruppo Storico Romano, tourists will be able to wear armor and learn gladiatorial combat techniques.
Participants will be able to choose the type of armor and impersonate different styles of gladiator, from the heavily armed to the most agile and fast. The experience will be enriched by a historical banquet, which will serve foods such as grapes, pomegranates and walnuts, to recall the culinary customs of ancient Rome, offering a complete immersion in the atmosphere of the era. The event is expected to last approximately three hours.
The fight in the arena
In pairs, tourists will stage simulated combat, under the supervision of a “summa rudis”, a figure who in ancient times acted as referee of the challenges. The security will be guaranteed by the experts of the historical associations involved, who will follow every step to ensure a faithful and engaging experience, without risks.
Gladiators in the Colosseum: how to participate in the selection
Those interested can book the experience directly on Airbnb from November 27, 2024 at 15:00 p.m., Italian time, on airbnb.com/gladiatormovie until December 10, 08:59 a.m., after which no further requests will be accepted. In order to apply, it will be necessary have an Airbnb account and have downloaded the app. To register for the selections you will have to fill out a motivational questionnaire which will be the basis for the final selection of the 16 participants.
The initiative will be free but tourists will have to organize the trip independently and overnight stay in Rome. Airbnb will give priority to the fastest in registering, evaluating the responses to choose the most suitable.
Colosseum, the Municipality writes to Airbnb: "No to the show"
“The news of a gladiatorial show inside the Colosseum leaves us at least perplexed. We understand the needs of the Superintendency to strengthen the meritorious work of conservation and restoration, however with this initiative, once again, a principle of commodification and consumption of culture. A principle that goes in the opposite direction to the one we are pursuing, that is, that of a heritage that is usable and accessible to everyone, tourists, Romans and Romans”. Thus in a note the Councilor for Culture of Rome Capital, Massimiliano Smeriglio. “We cannot transform one of the most important monuments in the world into a theme park – he adds – this is why I decided to write to the CEO of Airbnb and ask him to confirm the allocation to the Superintendency, giving up the tourist-gladiator show. With a gesture of this kind, the platform would increasingly gain credibility as a friend of Rome, protecting its artistic heritage, unique in the world, without turning it into an amusement park. I am convinced that the Airbnb board will reflect on this proposal”.
Colosseum: Here's Who's Applauding the Initiative
The initiative is viewed with great enthusiasm by the director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, Alfonsina Russo, who underlined how the Colosseum continues to attract millions of visitors every year: “This historical reenactment of gladiator fights and duels reinforces the emotional experience offered by the Colosseum, already appreciated worldwide for its imposing architecture and historical value”.
The announcement of the experience comes right in conjunction with therelease in Italy of the film "Gladiator II" by Ridley Scott. And also the Paramount Pictures, the film's producer, is a supporter of the initiative.
Colosseum, here's who's attacking the initiative
“We learn with dismay from the newspapers of the agreement for events that the Colosseum Archaeological Park is preparing to make with the major exponent of tourism based on short-term rentals. Without going into the not high level of cultural event, the initiative offends UNESCO heritage at this moment put to the test in its living element. The insensitivity of even just conceiving such an event cries out shame, without the slightest scruple about letting on board those who are contributing to to overturn the history and daily life of the inhabitants of the historic center of Rome and not only. What does the definition of 'Unesco heritage' mean for those who have the responsibility of protecting one of the most important archaeological areas in the world?” Thus, in a note, Viviana Piccirilli Di Capua of the association Inhabitants of the historic center of Rome commenting on the agreement.
