The short-term rentals company is promising armour and sword fights at the ancient arena to a chosen few, but Rome's councillor for culture and local housing activists have criticised the plan.

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.