Outrage ensues in Rome over Airbnb's gladiator 'battles' coming to Colosseum

The historic Roman Colosseum is facing backlash after partnering with Airbnb to bring gladiator "battles" back into the arena, and political figures in Italy are speaking out against the campaign.

"Now, for the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Colosseum returns to its original purpose as a venue for performances, inviting daring warriors to step foot inside the historic arena to forge their own paths and shape their destinies," Airbnb announced in a recent press release.

"Those brave enough to rise to the challenge will follow in the footsteps once traversed by victorious fighters, suit up in historically accurate armor, and put their skills to the test to determine their fate in battle."

The Airbnb and Colosseum partnership is the result of a $1.5 million sponsorship, which will allow guests to submerge themselves in ancient times by engaging in combat with swords and shields on one of the two scheduled experience dates, May 7 and 8, with each experience lasting three hours and only allowing for 16 guests.

The announcement is linked to Ridley Scott's upcoming "Gladiator II" film starring Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal.

A former member of the European Parliament also shared his concern for the deal on his social media.

"News of a gladiatorial show inside the #Colosseum leaves us perplexed to say the least. We understand the needs of the Superintendence to strengthen the meritorious work of conservation and restoration, however with this initiative, once again, a principle of commodification and consumption of culture is reaffirmed," Massimiliano Smeriglio, the city councilor in charge of culture, wrote on Instagram.

"We cannot turn one of the most important monuments in the world into a theme park. For this reason I decided to write to the CEO of Airbnb and ask the Superintendence to confirm the allocation, giving up the tourist-gladiator show," Smeriglio added.

While some city officials have pubically shared their grievances, others have voiced their support for the partnership.

"We are absolutely in favor of the agreement between public and private in culture, through partnerships or sponsorships, provided that they support initiatives that are of scientific and cultural value approved by the ministry of culture," Federico Mollicone, the head of a parliamentary culture commission and a member of Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, shared in a statement.

In spite of the public outrage, Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, told Fox News Digital that the park supports the collaboration.

"The collaboration aims to combine conservation, education, and innovation to bring an ever-broader audience closer to the cultural richness of the Amphitheater," he added.

Airbnb is making a commitment to protecting the heritage of the historical site.

"The partnership with the Colosseum is part of a broader commitment to promoting European heritage, which has seen Airbnb invest over $10 million in Europe over the past two years."

The gladiator experience will officially begin accepting requests online on Nov. 27 and will close Dec. 9.

Fox News reached out to Smeriglio and Foschi for comment.