Gladiators get ready as Airbnb hosts 'fights' in Rome's Colosseum for first time in 2,000 years

The iconic Roman Colosseum is set to host gladiator fights for the first time in two millennia, albeit staged ones, thanks to a $1.5m sponsorship deal with Airbnb aimed at promoting "a more conscious tourism."

However, the arrangement has been met with scepticism from some visitors and housing activists, who point to ongoing controversies surrounding short-term rental platforms' contribution to overtourism and their impact on affordable housing availability. The deal, announced by Airbnb and the Colosseum, will fund an educational programme within the ancient amphitheatre, focusing on its history and that of the gladiators.

Eight lucky users of the platform, along with their guests, will have the chance to participate in mock gladiator battles after hours on May 7-8, following the same underground route used by the original gladiators to reach the arena. Applications for this unique experience open on November 27, free of charge, with the "gladiators" selected via lottery.

Alfonsina Russo, superintendent of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, said that the deal coincides with the release of Ridley Scott's new film "Gladiators II," which premiered in Italy on Thursday. Russo described the sponsorship as one of many such arrangements helping to fund projects at the park.

The Italian fashion brand Tod's has bankrolled a multimillion-pound renovation of the iconic Roman monument, which includes cleaning, replacing arch locking systems with new gates and refurbishing the subterranean areas.

Alberto Campailla, who coordinates the Nonna Roma charity focusing on housing and food for the impoverished, slammed the Airbnb campaign as "a disgrace," and an example of "touristification."

He argued that Airbnb and similar short-term rental platforms are "literally driving people out of not only the city centre, but also the outskirts and suburban neighbourhoods". Tourists from other European cities struggling with overtourism also voiced their concerns about the deal.

Jaime Montero, a tourist from Madrid, said: "It seems to me that the purpose of the Colosseum today is to be a tourist attraction, but not to create an amusement park within it. In the end, tourism eats the essence of the cities, here in Rome, as in other capitals."

Salvatore Di Matteo, visiting from Naples, viewed the deal as "yet another takeover of the territory" by large corporations. He expressed concern, saying: "If they start to touch sacred monuments such as the Colosseum here in Rome, it is obviously something that should make us think and is, in any case, a bit worrying."

The Colosseum, built in the 1st century, is the largest amphitheatre ever constructed by the ancient Romans and was the hub of popular entertainment, hosting hunts and gladiator games, until the 6th century.