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.
‘Traverse the torch-lit, labyrinthine bowels of the Colosseum where Maximus and countless other warriors walked before you.
Reflect on their fate, and yours, as you trace their historic steps.’
“You will feel the adrenaline rush, the sand between your fingers, and the weight of your armor.
You will hear the echoes of gladiators past in the Colosseum’s catacombs and the unmistakable clank of steel in its arena.
You will see the moon’s reflection off the travertine stone through the sweat dripping down your face. You will become a gladiator.”
5 Comments
Heinous. Absolute desecration of an important time in history.
Greed. If we can find it we can muck it up beyond any possibility that it will ever again be pristine.
I, personally think that this is horrible. It could, and probably would, harm the Colosseum. Let it remain as it is and respect this historical icon.
Very bad idea. It’s a descries to a historical site.
And will make a joke of the thousands of innocent lives destroyed there.
Is this for real?
Commercialization for what?
I find it horrific to the enth degree.
stupid idea