Changes

<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEFY552/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AEFY552&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=ce0aef7b341cf998192101da595c6f64 Gladiator]</i> was a film released in 2000 starring Russell Crowe that focused on General Maximus Decimus Meridius, who was enslaved after escaping his execution for not supporting the new Roman emperor Commodus (staring starring Joaquin Phoenix). Maximus rises as a well -skilled gladiator, eventually making it to Rome , where he participates in the gladiator games sponsored by Commodus. After Commodus learns of Maximus, both characters want to kill the other. Maximus attempts to conspire with those in the Senate who dislike Commodus, while Commodus attempts to have Maximus killed in the gladiator battles.

The movie begins with the ailing Marcus Aurelius, the Rome's emperor of Rome, watching Maximus leading a battle against a German tribe, where the . The battle is portrayed as crucial in bringing peace to the Roman Empire's northern frontier. The German tribe was shown wearing Neolithic period clothing, something that which is inaccurate , and the clothing would have been more complex in fashion. During the reign of Aurelius, there were prolonged wars in Germania. Wars there were largely inconclusive, although they were close to annexing Moravia and West Slovakia during his reign. The movie depicts the emperor being killed by his son Commodus, although in reality Commodus was already co-emperor. In fact, there is no certain evidence that Commodus had any difficult relationship with his father, although later authors did disparage Commodus. Furthermore, although Maximus is mostly a fictional character, it is not likely Marcus Aurelius would appoint a general as protector of the empire, as suggested in the movie where shortly before his death the fictional Marcus Aurelius asked Maximus to lead the empire.

In factAlthough they were close to annexing Moravia and West Slovakia during his reign, in wars there were largely inconclusive. The movie depicts the film a conflict in Marcus Aurlieus' mind emperor being killed by his son Commodus, although Commodus was whether to return power to the Senate rather than have it mostly be with the already co-emperor. This There is unlikely as Marcus Aurlieusno evidence that Commodus had any difficult relationship with his father, although later authors did disparage Commodus. Furthermore, although often considered Maximus is mostly a fictional character, it is not likely Marcus Aurelius would appoint a wise emperor and even called general as protector of the "philosopher kingempire," as suggested in the film, still believed in holding power closely and willingly passed power to movie where shortly before his sondeath, something a Roman Emperor had not done for about a century.<ref>For more on the fictional Marcus Aurelius, see: Birley, A. R. (2016). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FA62O8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000FA62O8&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=aee0aa476daf8e04842311de39ecaef3 Marcus aurelius: a biography].</i> Place of publication not identified: Routledgeasked Maximus to lead the empire.</ref>

Marcus Aurlieus appointed his son as successor long before he died in 166 (he died in 180 CE)In fact, making it clear that Comodus was his choice all along. He also died in Vienna (ancient Vindobona), but the film showed him dying , a conflict in Germania during Marcus Aurelius' mind was whether to return power to the campaignSenate rather than have it mostly be with the emperor. Some rumors and stories did circulate that Commodus did kill his fatherThis is unlikely as Marcus Aurelius, but this could have been later stories created to malign the although often considered a wise emperor Commodus since he was not well liked by and even called the Senate"philosopher-king, " as suggested in the film. The appointment of Commodus was controversial, as shown in the film. From historical documents, mainly in the writings of Cassius Dio, there is indication that Marcus Aurlieus was disappointed still believed in holding power closely and willingly passed power to his son, suggesting he something a Roman Emperor had some trepidation not done for about him. Cassius Dio indicates that Rome suffered as Commodus came to power, but this could be part of later propaganda after the reign of Commodus. It is hard to tell what is exactly accurate as Commodus may have been more disliked by the upper classes, while some indication suggests he was popular with the army or even lower classes as a sort of peoples' emperorcentury.<ref>For more on Commodus and his lifeMarcus Aurelius, see: AdamsBirley, GA. WR. (20132016). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612337228B000FA62O8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1612337228B000FA62O8&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=2642b1925a40b708465fd89d98d57316 The Emperor Commodusaee0aa476daf8e04842311de39ecaef3 Marcus Aurelius: gladiator, Hercules or a tyrant?biography].</i> Boca RatonPlace of publication not identified: BrownWalker PressRoutledge.</ref>

Marcus Aurelius appointed his son as successor long before he died in 166 (he died in 180 CE), making it clear that Commodus was his choice all along. He also died in Vienna (ancient Vindobona), but the film showed him dying in Germania during the campaign. Some rumors and stories did circulate that Commodus did kill his father, but this could have been later stories created to malign the emperor Commodus since he was not well-liked by the Senate, as suggested in the film. The appointment of Commodus was controversial, as shown in the film. From historical documents, mainly in the writings of Cassius Dio, there is an indication that Marcus Aurelius was disappointed in his son, suggesting he had some trepidation about him. Cassius Dio indicates that Rome suffered as Commodus came to power, but this could be part of later propaganda after Commodus's reign. It is hard to tell what is exactly accurate as Commodus may have been more disliked by the upper classes. At the same time, some indication suggests he was popular with the army or even lower classes as a sort of peoples' emperor.<ref>For more on Commodus and his life, see: Adams, G. W. (2013). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1612337228/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1612337228&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=2642b1925a40b708465fd89d98d57316 Emperor Commodus: Gladiator, Hercules or a tyrant?]</i> Boca Raton: BrownWalker Press.</ref> ==The Were the Gladiator Contestsshown in Gladiator Accurate?==

In the film, after Maximus was taken as a slave, but not before he discovered that Commodus killed his wife and son were killed by Commodus, he was shown as being transported and eventually enslaved as a gladiator in a far away, remoyr remote province in the Roman Empire (somewhere in the Middle East or North Africa). While the circumstances of how Commodus became emperor in the film are probably not true, there is some greater truth in some of the gladiator fights. For instance, gladiator contests did often reconstruct famous battles or scenes using characters from history or legends. Gladiator contests did take place in many places around the empire. Animals, such as tigers, were often used in arenas, where gladiators might fight each other as well as and animals. In fact, excavations  Excavations at the Colosseum showed a variety of exotic animals were present there. This included: bears, lions, hyenahyenas, elephantelephants, wild boar, buffalo, tigers, bulls, wolves, and leopards. The gladiators' clothing of the gladiators depicted, particularly the helmets, were likely , not true and were stereotypes taken from later periods.<ref>For more on the gladiator games in the Roman Empire, see: Dunkle, R. (2008). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ID6R2CW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ID6R2CW&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=3e1905f472915347388e16545946008c Gladiators: violence and spectacle in ancient Rome].</i>. 1st ed. Harlow, England ; New York: Pearson/Longman.</ref> Gladiators, as suggested in the film, we're treated like rock stars. Those who were successful could gain favors, such as having access to women and even earn their freedom. However, unlike the film, contests often did not result in the death of contestants. Animals, in fact, were more often killed in contests. This may have been de-emphasized in the film. The emperors did use their thumbs at times to determine if a gladiator should die or live, although we do not know if this was thumbs up for a living and thumbs down for getting killed. It could have been the other way around.<ref>For more on gladiator traditions, see Winkler, M. M. (Ed.). (, 2004). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1405110422/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1405110422&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=0a0147f269beb6328eb63b9d10801203 Gladiator: film and history].</i> Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.</ref> The Colosseum (Figure 1) was the premier event for gladiator contests after its construction in 70-80 CE. Ambitious trainers, similar to how the film depicts it, would try to situate themselves to compete in main events that promised large financial rewards. Like sport today, the gladiator games had a lot of money exchange hands around the events. This revolved around gambling on the matches but also rewarded the owners from the gladiator slaves, which is one reason why the mass killing of gladiators may not have occurred that often.<ref>For more on the Colosseum and venues for gladiator contests, see: Aldrete, G. S. (2008). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0806140275/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0806140275&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=49b67742ce99855243d1ef3bdb379b40 Daily life in the Roman city: Rome, Pompeii, and Ostia] (Oklahoma paperback ed).</i> Norman: Univ. of Oklahoma Press.</ref>

Gladiators, as suggested in the film, were treated like rock starts. Those who were successful could gain favors, such as having access to women and even earn their freedom. However, unlike the film, often contests did not result in the death of contestants. Animals, in fact, were more often killed in contests. This may have been de-emphasized in the film. The emperors did use their thumbs at times to depict if the gladiator should die or live, although we do not know if this was thumbs up for living and thumbs down for getting killed. It could have been the other way around.<ref>For more on gladiator traditions, see: Winkler, M. M. (Ed.). (2004). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1405110422/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1405110422&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0cdh-20&linkId=0a0147f269beb6328eb63b9d10801203 Gladiator: film and history].</i> Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.<ad/ref>

The Colosseum (Figure 1) was Something not shown in the premier event for film is that gladiator contests after its construction in 70-80 CEmay have looked familiar to us. Ambitious trainers, similar Gladiators often were used to how the film depicts itsponsoring products, would try to situate themselves so they could compete and billboards often hung in main events that promised large financial rewards. Similar to sport today, the gladiator games had a lot of money that stadium where contests would exchange hands around the eventhave been held. This revolved around gambling on These advertisements were not shown in the events but also rewards earned by film, mostly because the owners from the gladiator slaves, which producers thought film audiences would not believe it since it is one reason why mass killing of people may not have occurred that oftenso similar to our modern sports.<ref>For more on advertising in the Colosseum and venues for gladiator contestsRoman world, see: AldreteBomgardner, GD. SL. (20082002). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/08061402750415301858/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=08061402750415301858&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=49b67742ce99855243d1ef3bdb379b40 Daily life in 23f8ea6b9900470adc695008478dd264 The story of the Roman city: Rome, Pompeii and Ostiaamphitheater] (Oklahoma paperback ed).</i> NormanLondon; New York: UnivRoutledge, pg. of Oklahoma Press55.</ref>

Something not shown in In the film is that gladiator contests may have looked familiar , after Maximus was captured trying to usrevolt against the emperor. Gladiators often were used to sponsor products and billboards often hung He was shown as fighting the emperor in stadium where contests a one on one contest. This match would have been heldnever happened. This was not First, Commodus died in a coup event in 192 rather than at Maximus's hand, as shown in the film, mostly because final combat scene in the producers thought film audiences would not believe it since it is so similar to our modern sports.<ref>For more on advertising Second, Commodus, as shown in the Roman worldmovie, see: Bomgardner, D. L. (2002). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415301858/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0415301858&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=23f8ea6b9900470adc695008478dd264 The story of did fight in the Roman amphitheatre]arena.</i> London; New York: RoutledgeHowever, pghe probably only fought in events where he has assured victories against animals or crippled captives. 55The film does suggest this as Commodus does mortally wound Maximus before their fight when Maximus was tied and unable to defend himself.</ref>

In the film, after Maximus was captured trying to revolt against the emperor. He was shown as fighting the emperor as a one on one contest. This would have certainly never happened. First, Commodus died in a coup event in 192 rather than at the hand of Maximus, as shown in the final combat scene in the film. Second, Commodus, as shown in the film, did fight in the arena, although he probably only fought in events where he was assured victory such as against animals or crippled captives. The film does suggest this as Commodus does mortally wound Maximus before their fight, when Maximus was tied and unable to defend himself. Nevertheless, historians indicate he liked to think of himself as Hercules, and even began to dress like him in gladiator contests rather than as the emperor, where he wore bright emperor clothing in the film.<ref>For more on Commodus' gladiator contests, see: Adams 2013: 242</ref>

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<u>Maximus Decimus Meridius</u>: Maximus is an entirely fictitious character, but seems to be based on several characters, including Avidius Cassius, who was a general in Marcus Aurelius' armies====Related DailyHistory. In fact, he did declare himself emperor or revolt shortly after thinking Aurelius died in 175, suggesting a brief power struggle, but he was eventually killed after it was learned Aurelius was not dead. There was a general named Maximus who lived in the late Roman Empire who may have aspired to revolt against the empire.<ref>For more on Avidius, seeorg Articles===={{#dpl: Canduci, Alexander (2010). <i>Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise and Fall of Rome’s Immortal Emperors.</i> category=Roman imperial biographies. Sydney: Pier 9.History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=12}}</refdiv>

==Who was Maximus Decimus Meridius Based On?==<u>CommodusMaximus Decimus Meridius</u>: While Commodus Maximus is a historical figure who did hold gladiator contests and may have been mentally unstablean entirely fictitious character but seems to be based on several characters, as depicted in the film, he didincluding Avidius Cassius, a general in fact, rule for 12 yearsMarcus Aurelius' armies. Among the odd things Commodus did was rename the months and legions after He declared himself (he had twelve names he went by). He even named the Roman people emperor shortly after himself. He was purported to have held naked gladiator conteststhinking Aurelius died in 175, which would have outraged some Roman citizens and may have contributed to his bad reputation and eventual downfall. He may have killed 100 lions in suggesting a day during his gladiator contests and other exotic animals such as elephantsbrief power struggle. Even by Roman standardsStill, the level of slaughter may have caused outragehe was eventually killed after it became clear Aurelius was not dead. He even started killing a large number of crippled people A general named Maximus lived in the arena, which late Roman Empire who may have been on inspired Gladiator's story of the final straws before his own assassination. However, his political actions were also likely unwise, as he tried to declare himself consul and gladiator, where the former is a revolt against an elected position and the later something usually only slaves should hold. Narcissus, his wrestling partner, eventually killed him in 192 as part of a larger conspiracy by Roman leadersemperor.<ref>For more on CommodusAvidius, see: Adams 2013Canduci, Alexander (2010). <i>Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise and Fall of Rome’s Immortal Emperors.</i> Roman imperial biographies. Sydney: Pier 9.</ref>

==Who were the Real People portrayed in Gladiator?==<u>LucillaCommodus</u>: She was While Commodus' sister is a historical figure who did hold gladiator contests and may have been mentally unstable, as depicted in the film she was depicted as trying to encourage the conspiracy against her brother. She , he did, in fact, conspire to kill rule the Roman Empire for 12 years. Among the odd things Commodus but failed in 182, leading to her deathdid was rename the months and legions after himself (he had twelve names he went by). Unlike what He even named the film depicts, Lucilla Roman people after himself. He was probably ambitious purported to be a co-ruler with her husband (she is shown as a widow in the movie)have held naked gladiator contests, which is why she may would have conspiredoutraged some Roman citizens and contributed to his bad reputation and eventual downfall. However, she He may have not considered herself as killed 100 lions in a possible ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behavior. Unlike the film, Commodus probably did not try to have incestous relations with day during his sistergladiator contests and other exotic animals such as elephants.<ref>For more on LucillaEven by Roman standards, see: Lightman, M., Lightman, B., & Lightman, M. (2008).<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0816031126/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0816031126&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=e0745e365189f3743bd8492787d85ed5 A to Z the level of ancient Greek and Roman women].</i> (Rev. ed)slaughter may have caused outrage. New York: Facts On File, pg. 195.</ref>

He even started killing many disabled people in the arena, which may have been one of the final straws before he was assassinated. However, his political actions were also likely unwise. He tried to declare himself consul and gladiator, where the former is an elected position and the latter usually only slaves should hold. Narcissus, his wrestling partner, eventually killed him in 192 as part of a larger conspiracy by Roman leaders.<ref>For more on Commodus, see: Adams 2013.</ref> <u>Lucilla</u>: She was Commodus' sister, and in the film, she was depicted as trying to encourage the conspiracy against her brother. She did conspire to kill Commodus but failed in 182, leading to her death. Unlike what the film depicts, Lucilla was probably ambitious to be a co-ruler with her husband (she is shown as a widow in the movie), which is why she may have conspired against her brother. However, she may not have considered herself a possible ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behavior. Unlike the film, Commodus probably did not seek to have an incestuous relationship with his sister.<ref>For more on Lucilla, see: Lightman, M., Lightman, B., & Lightman, M. (2008).<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0816031126/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0816031126&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=e0745e365189f3743bd8492787d85ed5 A to Z of Ancient Greek and Roman women].</i> (Rev. ed). New York: Facts On File, pg. 195.</ref> <u>Marcus Aurelius</u>: The emperor's relatively positive reputation has likely contributed to his depiction in the film as a wise ruler (i.e., the philosopher -king) who tried to avoid appointing his son. However, the destructive character of despite his son may have caused later depictions of 's destructive nature, Marcus Aurelius not being content with was willing to choose Commodus to be his son succeeding him, event though he probably willing chose himsuccessor and heir. The film depicts Marcus Aurelius lamenting his many wars, but in reality , Marcu Aurelius would have seen these wars as his duty to Rome. He was influenced by stoic Stoic philosophy, which believed in wisdom, courage, justice , and temperance.<ref>For more on Marcus Aurelius as the philosopher -king, see: McLynn, F. (2010). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1844135276/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1844135276&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=b7e495cc41272b5a97414fb499bdbe9c Marcus Aurelius: warriorWarrior, philosopher, emperor].</i> London: Vintage Books.</ref>

There were many historical inaccuracies in the film and some of the possibly accurate events borrow from less than certain sources. In fact, many The historians who were hired to advise on the movie quit or refused to be given credits because of the many historical inaccuracies the final version had. Nevertheless, as with most historical dramas, this movie was more about entertainment than historical narrative.  The general overall narrative of a somewhat crazy emperor in the form of Commodus embellishing in gladiator games was true and, in factcorrect. Oddly enough, the reality of Commodus' reign was probably more outrageous than what was shown in the film, as the emperor often made himself dress as a gladiator and fought numerous contests with animals and others, such as wounded gladiators.<div class="portal" style="width:85%;">==Related DailyHistory.org Articles==*[[British Criminal and Legal History Top Ten Booklist]]*If you want to learn more about gladiators, check out our article [[How did Winston Churchill become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Did Gladiatorial Games Evolve in World War TwoAncient Rome?]]*[[Was Elizabeth I Justified in having her Cousin Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland Executed?]]*[[How does The Magna Carta influence the Modern Perceptions of Civil Rights?]]*[[Privateering during the War of 1812: Interview with Faye Mfor more information. Kert]]*[[Did the Congress of Berlin create a more unstable Europe?]]</div>{{MediaWiki:Oscar Movies}}====References====