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.

Romans are furious about an “insulting” deal to allow tourists to dress up as gladiators and stage mock fights in the Colosseum. Critics say the deal between Airbnb and the Colosseum will “trivialise” the arena,