Airbnb has announced plans for a unique ‘gladiator experience’ at Rome’s Colosseum, offering 30 guests the chance to participate in mock battles. This event, aligned with the release of ‘Gladiator II’, has sparked criticism over the impact of short-term rentals on local housing and the commodification of cultural heritage. Critics argue that such initiatives contribute to a loss of affordable housing in Rome and risk transforming historic sites into commercial attractions, while supporters claim it showcases the Colosseum’s heritage.