Rome: It has probably been centuries since Romans have been so feverish about happenings at the Colosseum, and it is not because of the recent release of the Ridley Scott “Gladiator” sequel. A plan by the Colosseum and Airbnb to give a select few people the chance to unleash their “inner gladiator” at the most visited site in Italy has caused an uproar among many Romans who say its demeans a treasured cultural icon.
Over two nights in May, a total of up to 32 people will learn the art of gladiator fighting at the ancient arena, taught by Roman history buffs who specialise in historical re-enactments. The project is a partnership between the Colosseum Archaeological Park and Airbnb, the accommodations booking platform, which donated $1.5 million to spruce up a permanent exhibit inside the arena. The aim, Airbnb said, “was to support the Colosseum’s ongoing conservation work to find new ways to inspire and educate visitors on the historical significance of this bygone era.”
But some Romans and cultural leaders have given the initiative an emphatic thumbs down. (Footnote: While the emperor made such a gesture to condemn a fighter in the original “Gladiator” movie, scholars are uncertain about the direction thumbs actually pointed in ancient arenas for such purposes.) “We’re against transforming the Colosseum into a theme park,” said Massimiliano Smeriglio, a member of Rome’s City Council. “We’re all in favour if a company decides to sponsor a monument or a restoration,” he said, “but it shouldn’t be necessary to get anything in exchange.”
Federico Mollicone, a lawmaker with the Brothers of Italy party of PM Giorgia Meloni, dismissed the criticism as the views of a “radical chic” element in Rome that treated the arena “as something sacred”. The Colosseum, he pointed out, had been built for rough-and-tumble entertainment. The center-right govt this year passed a law that supports the promotion of historical reenactments.
Critics also raised questions about Airbnb’s involvement at a time when many European cities are struggling to balance the needs of locals with a booming postpandemic tourist industry facilitated by accommodation platforms. This summer, the backlash against mass tourism saw protests in many cities, including Barcelona, Spain, and Athens, Greece.
While Romans are frequently incensed by many issues in their city – everything from uncollected garbage to potholes – they can be particularly sensitive about the Colosseum. A kerfuffle erupted last year after Elon Musk challenged Mark Zuckerberg on social media to “a cage match”, and it was rumored that the Colosseum could be the venue. NYT
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