Massimiliano Smeriglio, Rome's councilor for culture, objected to Airbnb's idea, saying the Colosseum "must not be debased in the eyes of the world."

They’re not putting the “glad” in gladiator. Airbnb has drawn plenty of ire in Europe of late, but now the short-term rental giant has outraged local lawmakers after inviting visitors to partake in a series of mock gladiator battles in Rome’s Colosseum.