Airbnb wants gladiator battles in Romes Colosseum but locals are appalled: We are not in Disneyland

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.The event is part of a $1.5 million deal between Airbnb and the Colosseum Archaeological Park that oversees the wonder.According to a press release — which purposefully coincided with the premiere of Ridley Scott’s sword-and-sandals epic sequel “Gladiator 2,” starring Irish hunk Paul Mescal — the Spartacus-inspired larping would offer a somewhat nerfed return to the arena’s blood-splattered origins.“For centuries, the Roman Colosseum has been the stage for epic battles and legendary gladiators,” Airbnb announced.“For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Colosseum returns to its original purpose as a venue for performances, inviting daring warriors to step foot inside the historic arena to forge their own paths and shape their destinies.”There, they can “unleash their inner gladiator” by donning historically accurate suits of armor and duking it out in this imitation bloodsport, per the event.

Aspiring gladiators can sign up on the Airbnb site starting Nov.27 for a chance to be one of 16 eligible contestants taking part in the event, which takes place in May 2025.

While the experience is free, gladiators will have to arrange both their lodging and transportation in the Italian capital.Local lawmakers were not pleased with seemingly turning the venerated 2,000-year-old venue — which ranks among Italy’s most visited attractions — into Rome’s version of a Renaissance fair.In a searing Instagram post, Rome’s councilor for culture Massimiliano Smeriglio, said the event epitomized the “hyper tourism of our cities which risk becoming Disneylands for the rich” and making them “lose their identity,” Insider reported.“The Colosseum is a symbol of the thousand-year histor...