Japan Technology

“Gladiator experience trip at the Colosseum” is criticized as an insult to culture – GIGAZINE


memo


Located in Rome, the capital of ItalyColosseum (Colosseum)is an amphitheater that dates back to 80 AD during the Roman Empire, and is a tourist destination that has been registered as a World Heritage Site. Accommodation booking platformAirbnbhas partnered with the Colosseum Archaeological Park.Gladiator experience project” is planning a program where people can actually experience being gladiators inside the Colosseum, wearing gladiator-style costumes and having a pre-battle meal, but the project “degrades the dignity of cultural assets.” has been criticized as

Airbnb ‘Gladiator’ Experience at the Colosseum Prompts Outcry in Rome – The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/world/europe/airbnb-gladiator-colosseum-rome.html


Airbnb says on its page announcing the project: “Rome’s Colosseum has been the setting for epic battles and legendary gladiators for centuries. Returning to purpose, brave warriors step into this historic arena and forge their own path. Those brave enough to rise to the challenge will follow in the footsteps of victorious warriors of the past, donning historically accurate armor, and decide their fate in battle. You can test your skills. Be victorious, establish yourself as the ultimate gladiator, and leave your mark on history.”

The Colosseum Gladiator Experience Project will take place from May 7th to 8th, 2025. Each program takes about 3 hours, and according to the official website, you can experience the following. A total of 16 people can participate in each program, including 8 participants and their companions, and participants will be determined by lottery from those who have made reservations. Participation is free of charge, excluding transportation costs to the site.


・Enter the Colosseum lit by candles after sunset

・To prepare for battle, go down to the underground “Hyposium” and collect “Murmillo (a fish-shaped helmet)”, “Retiarius (a style of fighting with a net, trident, and dagger)”, and “Plowokator (challenge)” Wear equipment of your favorite style, such as “Fighter)”


– Eating the food that gladiators ate before battle, such as grapes, almonds, pomegranates, and walnuts.

-Watch thrilling showdowns between skilled gladiators and test your courage when it’s your turn to face off against a warrior.

This project is part of Airbnb’s heritage commitment, which includes donations of more than $10 million. The project includes the restoration of the Colosseum’s permanent exhibitions, as well as the intention to strengthen and revitalize it as a tourist destination.

There have been several criticisms of this gladiator experience project. Massimiliano Smeriglio, a member of Rome’s city council, said: “We are all in favor of companies sponsoring monuments and restoration projects, but companies should not be asked for anything in return. “We oppose turning Airbnb into a theme park, and we plan to meet with Airbnb executives soon to try to get them to change their minds.”


It also comes at a time when many European cities are struggling to balance the needs of local residents with the booming post-pandemic tourism industry facilitated by accommodation platforms. Some critics have questioned the involvement of lodging platform Airbnb in the Colosseum industry. In Europe, as the number of tourists increases, overtourism, such as housing problems and the impact of rent, is becoming a problem, and by the summer of 2024, cities such as Barcelona and Athens willmass tourismThere were also protests against. “Airbnb paved the way for the destruction of our communities,” said Bibiana Piccillili di Capua, coordinator of the Residents Association of the Center of Rome. “We should have been more sensitive,” and there are a certain number of opinions that are against Airbnb.

Private lodging service “Airbnb” recorded sales of 250 billion yen, exceeding pre-pandemic sales, and net profit increased 280% year-on-year, the highest ever – GIGAZINE

On the other hand, the political party headed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni,compatriots of italyFederico Morricone, a member of “It’s something that happened,” he pointed out. Mr. Morricone further added that France’sneemHe added that other historic arenas have become attractive tourist destinations by fulfilling their role properly, such as the amphitheater in the city that still hosts bullfights today. There’s nothing wrong with using it as a resource.”

Colosseum authorities said in a statement that the collaboration with Airbnb aims to “enhance the amphitheater’s historical and cultural heritage based on rigorous historical research.” Research about gladiators and spread the word about gladiatorial combat, an ancient martial art, as a sport.ARS DIMICANDIDario Battaglia, the founder of Airbnb’s events are not so much entertainment as they are an immersive historical experience that shows for the first time what really happened. “It will be a type experience,” he said, supporting the significance of the project.

Copy the title and URL of this article

Avatar

Vasundhara Mali

About Author

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like

Japan Technology

It turns out that TikTok’s algorithm may be actively suppressing criticism of the Chinese government

It has been revealed that searching for terms such as “Uighur” and “Tiananmen Square” on TikTok is likely to result
Japan Technology

Even Apple has difficulty centering text in app layouts

Software engineer Martin Wojcik pointed out that the UI of Apple’s native Calculator app on macOS is misaligned. It is