PREVIEW

With Gladiator 2 hitting cinemas the world is going mad for Ancient Rome. For centuries, the Roman Colosseum stood as the grand stage for epic battles and fearless gladiators. Now, nearly 2,000 years on, the Colosseum will once again serve its original purpose as a venue for performance. The Gladiatorial Experience is being staged by Airbnb and consists of two three-hour sessions on 7-8 May 2025, each accommodating up to 16 participants. After sunset, guests will enter the Colosseum aglow with candlelight, capturing a rare view of the ancient structure. From there, they will descend into the hypogeum, a network of underground chambers where gladiators once prepared for battle. Guided by a referee, or summa rudis, and then face off against fellow warriors. Booking opens on 27 November 27 at 6:00 AM PT at airbnb.com/gladiatormovie until 9 December at 11:59 PM PT when request periods close. Although the experience itself is free, guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Rome.