Travis Scott concert at Circus Maximus sparks controversy over monument use

A Travis Scott concert at Rome's Circus Maximus on August 7, 2023, drew 70,000 fans whose jumping and dancing caused seismic readings resembling an earthquake, recorded by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). The event, chosen after Egypt denied a pyramid concert, prompted a dispute between Alfonsina Russo, director of the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, and Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri, with Russo accusing Gualtieri of ignoring her prescriptions. Russo argued the Circus Maximus is a monument, not a stadium, and unsuitable for large rock concerts, suggesting only opera and ballet. Alessandro Onorato, Rome's assessor for major events, countered that Russo had approved the concert with a condition that the audience not jump, which he deemed unrealistic. Onorato also criticized Russo for a security breach at the Colosseum during the concert. No damage to the monument was reported. The debate highlights tensions between cultural heritage preservation and large-scale entertainment in historic venues.