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.

From the Renaissance city of Florence to the Eternal City of Rome, government officials, and more importantly, the residents of these ancient, historical wonders, have protested against booking platform giants such as Airbnb buying up endless properties in their historic centers and Piazzas to turn a profit: offering tourists short-term and long-term stays in their properties while residents are pushed aside;