Airbnb Is Giving 32 Folk the Prospect to Discuss with the Colosseum Next Hours to Supervise a Gladiator Combat

Constructed just about 2,000 years in the past, the Colosseum is among the maximum iconic historical constructions nonetheless status in Rome. However visiting it lately, you’ll best start to consider what it could had been like to wait a gladiator battle all the way through the times of the Roman Empire. Quickly, although, in honor of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, which is able to crash theaters on Nov. 22, a couple of fortunate winners may have the probability to go into the amphitheater nearest hours to observer a gladiator battle or even don armor and be informed one of the crucial strikes themselves.

Created in partnership with Paramount Photos, this ultra-exclusive revel in is considered one of Airbnb’s Icons, a form of epic remains and once-in-a-lifetime reviews that the home-sharing platform is bringing to day — and we were given a sneak peek. As a Rome-based journalist, I’ve been to the Colosseum various instances — by myself, on guided crew and personal excursions, all the way through the year and nearest hours — however I’ve by no means perceptible it somewhat like this.

Upon getting into the rear gate on a contemporary night time, I discovered myself ringside, the place a seating section lined in purple velvet cushions and illuminated by way of torches and fireplace pits was once arrange overlooking the world flooring. I watched rapt as two males in gladiator armor started to battle, their guns clashing in opposition to their shields and helmets, the clanging sounds reverberating within the night time. Once I requested the knowledgeable information in the event that they have been actors, she defined they’re no longer actors however historic reenactors who’ve trustworthy themselves to finding out gladiators.

Later on, she led me ailing into the hypogeum, a warren of underground chambers the place animals have been stored in cages and corridors and gladiators walked sooner than rising within the enviornment. There, in one of the most chambers, I were given an up-close have a look at helmets, shields, armor, and guns made to copy those impaired by way of historical gladiators. Individuals will probably be ready to make a choice an outfit similar to one of the most sorts of gladiators (murmillo, thraex, provocator, retiarius, or contrarete) and be informed the strikes they might have impaired in a battle sooner than hanging their abilities to the take a look at.  

“Icons take you inside worlds that only existed in your imagination until now,” Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s co-founder and CEO, stated at Icons’ Summer season Loose match in Los Angeles. “What we’re focused on is creating more magic in the real world — and everything we do is in service to this idea because magic is not limited to our imagination.”

Requests to reserve this unforgettable revel in will not hidden on Nov. 27 at 6 a.m. PT at airbnb.com/gladiatormovie. The fresh reviews will whisk park on Would possibly 7 and eight, 2025. Each and every revel in possesses potential to host 16 folk (8 winners and their plus-ones), that means simply 32 folk may have the probability to revel in a night as a gladiator on the Colosseum. The reserving duration will shut on Dec. 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The revel in is independent, however contributors are accountable for getting themselves to Rome and paying any prices related to their commute.