The announcement is linked to Ridley Scott's upcoming "Gladiator II" film starring Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal. The experience is not being welcomed graciously by city officials in Rome who fear the campaign is "trivializing" the historic site.

As Gladiator II hits cinemas, Airbnb and guardians of the Roman ruin team up to offer faux fights there under a deal decried as ‘a disgrace’.

Plans to offer Airbnb customers the chance to take part in gladiator-style battles in Rome’s Colosseum have been decried as an insult to the UNESCO-listed ancient arena.

In a partnership aimed at promoting what it describes as 'conscious tourism,' Airbnb has signed a $1.5 million deal with Rome's Colosseum to sponsor a series of staged gladiator fights. The sponsorship,

Airbnb might not be able to arrange an overnight stay in the Colosseum, but it will let you fight there. The vacation rental service is offering a unique experience in the historic monument as part of a promotion for the film Gladiator II,

The event is held in conjunction with the upcoming release of Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" movie-an anticipated sequel to the earlier 2000's "Gladiator" film.

"The Colosseum is a symbol of Rome’s past, not an amusement park," he said. Others see the partnership as a sign of growing corporate influence over cultural landmarks. Salvator

The event is part of the promotion for Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator II', but locals fear it trivializes the monument's heritage.

From the Renaissance city of Florence to the Eternal City of Rome, government officials, and more importantly, the residents of these ancient, historical wonders, have protested against booking platform giants such as Airbnb buying up endless properties in their historic centers and Piazzas to turn a profit: offering tourists short-term and long-term stays in their properties while residents are pushed aside;