Plans to offer Airbnb customers the chance to take part in gladiator-style battles in Rome’s Colosseum have been decried as an insult to the UNESCO-listed ancient arena.

The ancient Roman Colosseum will be the venue of gladiator fights for the first time in two millennia under a $1.5-million sponsorship deal with Airbnb.

In a partnership aimed at promoting what it describes as 'conscious tourism,' Airbnb has signed a $1.5 million deal with Rome's Colosseum to sponsor a series of staged gladiator fights. The sponsorship,

Rome’s Colosseum will see a return of gladiatorial combat thanks to a $1.5 million donation to this historic monument by Airbnb

The ancient Roman Colosseum will be the venue of gladiator fights for the first time in two millennia under a $1.5 million sponsorship deal with Airbnb

The ancient Roman Colosseum will be the venue of gladiator fights for the first time in two millennia under a $1.5-million sponsorship deal.

Under the deal announced by Airbnb and the Colosseum on Wednesday, the sponsorship by the short-term rental giant will cover the renewal of an educational program inside the ancient Roman amphitheater covering the history of the structure and gladiators.

Airbnbs are typically synonymous with cozy getaways, but a new Icons experience from the homeshare company is putting guests right in the action with a new Roman gladiator experience in the Colosseum.