The ancient stones of the Colosseum are about to revive ancient memories. In a bold move that has sparked heated debate in the capital, the world's most famous amphitheater is preparing to welcome a new generation of "gladiators." This is no ordinary movie or reenactment: the Colosseum, in collaboration with Airbnb, will open its doors to a select group of visitors for a unique experience that promises to bring the atmosphere of ancient Rome back to life, albeit briefly.
The partnership that divides the city
The project was born from a collaboration between Archaeological Park of the Colosseum e airbnb, which donated $1,5 million to renovate a permanent exhibit inside the arena. The stated goal is noble: to support conservation work and find new ways to educate visitors about the historical significance of this bygone era. It makes me smile to think that, just as in ancient Rome, we find ourselves divided today between those who raise their thumbs up and those who inexorably lower them downward.
Colosseum, between history and spectacle
The event, also supported by a new legislation on historical events, will be entrusted to two specialized associations: Ars Dimicandi and the Roman Historical Group. The latter, riding the wave of success of the 2000 film “Gladiator”, opened his first gladiator school along the ancient Appian Way. As in every good story that respects itself, there are those, like Darius Battaglia di Ars Dimicandi, argues that this is an opportunity to debunk Hollywood myths about gladiators. They were not always forced to fight to the death, and many, including Hispanic slaves, volunteered in hopes of improving their social standing.
We are against the transformation of the Colosseum into a theme park
There Massimiliano Smeriglio, a member of the Rome City Council responsible for culture. His position reflects the fear of many Romans that their cultural heritage will be transformed into a superficial tourist attraction. The thumbs down of part of the city also comes amid broader criticism of Airbnb's role in the urban fabric of Rome.
Gladiators 2.0 in Colosseum, the defense of the initiative
On the other hand, Federico Mollicone, a member of the Brothers of Italy party, rejects the criticisms by calling them the expression of a “radical chic” element that treats the arena “as something sacred”. In fact, I agree when he recalls that the Colosseum was built precisely for theEntertainment, albeit of a decidedly more bloody nature.
The issue is part of a broader debate that sees many European cities grappling with the difficult balance between the needs of residents and a rapidly growing post-pandemic tourism. Fabrizio Nizi, spokesman for Spin Time Labs, highlights how short-term rentals are transforming the social fabric of Rome, with an impact that he defines as “enormous” on the real estate market.
A learning opportunity
Personally, I think that this initiative, if managed with due respect and historical rigor, can represent an innovative way to bring people closer to history. The important thing is to maintain a balance between education and entertainment, avoiding turning a symbol of history into a mere amusement park. After all, as the ancient Romans said, “in medio stat virtus” – virtue lies in the middle.
The Colosseum today faces a challenge not unlike the one it has always faced: to remain relevant for new generations while maintaining its historical dignity intact. Whether the thumbs down or up, this initiative certainly has the merit of rekindling the debate on the role of historical monuments in contemporary society.
