ROME — The iconic Colosseum in Rome is set to host gladiator-themed events for the first time in two thousand years, made possible through a $1.5 million sponsorship agreement with Airbnb that aims to foster “more conscious tourism.”
Under this new collaboration, announced on Wednesday, Airbnb’s sponsorship will finance the revival of an educational initiative within the ancient venue, which focuses on the history of the Colosseum and its famed gladiators.
On May 7 and 8, eight lucky participants, along with their guests, will have the chance to engage in mock gladiator combats after regular visiting hours. They will follow the same underground pathways that ancient gladiators used to enter the arena. Applications for this unique experience will open on November 27, and participants will be selected via a lottery system, completely free of charge.
Alfonsina Russo, the superintendent of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, noted that this initiative coincides with the premiere of Ridley Scott’s latest film, “Gladiators II,” which was released in Italy on Thursday.
Russo described this sponsorship as part of a broader strategy involving various partnerships aimed at supporting funding for projects within the park.