It’s one of those surreal moments when Airbnb and Paramount Pictures are joining forces to bring ancient Rome alive with an unparalleled, once-only, “Gladiator II” experience within the iconic Roman Colosseum. Only a few guests worldwide will have that rare privilege of getting submerged into the armors of ancient warriors and living a surreal experience steeped in ancient history while celebrating the much-publicized release of “Gladiator II.”.
Setting the event across two days, May 7 and May 8 of 2025, this is going to be no less than a spectacle that very few fans of the Gladiator franchise, or history buffs for that matter, have ever gotten a chance to visit the legendary Colosseum, let alone experience life as a gladiator on the very grounds these ancient fighters once battled. It is through this partnership between Paramount and Airbnb that the historic amphitheater becomes a real arena, situated in an absolutely unique environment and allowing its guests to immerse themselves in the ancient attire of the Roman culture.
For centuries, Roman history has been enacted within the walls of the Colosseum, which is now going to host an exciting, fully immersive gladiator-themed adventure. This out-of-the-ordinary experience will allow participants to wear correctly fitted armor, each tailored to a different gladiator type, from murmillo to retiarius, while gaining hands-on combat training with expert instructors. The grand finale of this experience is a simulated fight in front of a referee, called the summa rudis, that really brings across the thrill of the ancient Roman fights.
Adding to the realism of the experience, visitors will make their way down into the hypogeum-the underground network at the foot of the Colosseum where gladiators prepared to fight-via torch-lit passageways. These ancient chambers will be seen firsthand by guests who will get a glimpse of what it felt like to be one of the Roman fighters waiting to climb up to the arena above.
The Airbnb multidimensionally presented event is going to be an immersive journey to say the least: replete with mock weapons, battle enactments, under the shade of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Roman-themed snacks will be provided, so one who attends can taste what the times had to offer.
Only 16 participants, along with their companions, will be randomly selected to join this highly exclusive event.
While the experience is free itself, guests will have to organize and pay for their transportation to and from Rome. Reservations will open on Airbnb between November 27 and December 9, 2024. As has happened in previous years, they will surely sell out in record time. In order to book, one will have to send a request during the whole booking period, and a selection procedure at the end will be used to complete the guest list. To this effect, Airbnb has made provisions for a guest apartment about 100 meters away from the Colosseum for its guests who are arriving in Rome. This quaint apartment named “The Colosseum’s View” provides modern comforts in an excellent location, effectively merging the Roman charm of an old dwelling with all the modern conveniences desirable today. In addition, this apartment contains one living room, one well-equipped kitchen, and a bedroom, not forgetting a convenient sofa bed just in case there is the need to accommodate extra guests.
Ideal for tourists, it offers easy access to the main places of interest in Rome, as well as public transportation-the perfect base to experience the Colosseum.
While “Gladiator II” is sure to leave mouths agape across the globe, this occasion of the Colosseum is more than a promotion-it is a standing ovation to ancient Rome’s greatness and intrigue. With its guests as gladiators, Airbnb and Paramount bring Colosseum history and valor into life and build a bridge between modern-day fans and the ancient heritage of Rome.