"Strength and honor!"... And deals with rental spaces. Gladiator II, Ridley Scott’s return to the Colosseum sandpit, is now showing in cinemas. But for those who crave more and wish to fully immerse themselves in the Gladiator lifestyle, Airbnb has a unique experience for you. The rental space marketplace has introduced an authentic gladiator experience (minus the bloodshed), set within the actual Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Those daring enough to take on the challenge will walk in the footsteps of victorious fighters, don historically accurate armor, and test their combat skills to determine their fate in battle. "May you emerge triumphant and establish yourself as the ultimate gladiator, earning your place in history," reads the Airbnb listing.
However, there are rules. You can request to book one of two three-hour experiences scheduled for 7 and 8 May 2025. The experience includes entering the Colosseum after dark, wearing armor, watching a gladiator battle performance, training as a gladiator, and facing off against other participants. A referee will oversee the proceedings to ensure no blood is shed. Applications for this experience can be made on 27 November, with no costs involved, and participants will be chosen by lottery.
Despite the excitement, some visitors and housing activists question the value of the $1.5 million sponsorship deal with Airbnb, which aims to promote "a more conscious tourism." Critics argue that short-term rental platforms contribute to overtourism and limit affordable housing. Alfonsina Russo, the superintendent of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, sees the sponsorship as one of many deals to fund park projects. For instance, the Italian fashion brand Tod's has financed a multimillion renovation of the monument.
Alberto Campailla, coordinator of the Nonna Roma nonprofit, calls the Airbnb campaign "a disgrace" and a form of "touristification." He believes these platforms are driving people out of city centers and suburbs. Tourists from other European cities dealing with overtourism also criticize the deal. Jaime Montero from Madrid feels the Colosseum should remain a tourist attraction, not an amusement park. Salvatore Di Matteo from Naples sees it as another takeover by big companies.
Gladiator II is now showing. Our review states: "While visually engaging, Gladiator II is a curiously hollow film that relies on spectacle and minimal emotions, failing to step out of Gladiator’s shadow. Did Scott even want to? It shows the director needed more than two decades to stick this landing. Either that or he should have left the original alone." Read our full review here.
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