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====Battles in Germania====The <i>Gladiator</i> was a film released in 2000 starring Russell Crowe that focused on General Maximus Decimus Meridiusmovie begins with the ailing Marcus Aurelius, who was enslaved after escaping his execution for not supporting the new Roman emperor Commodus (staring Joaquin Phoenix). of Rome, watching Maximus rises as leading a battle against a well skilled gladiatorGerman tribe, eventually making it to Rome where he participates the battle is portrayed as crucial in bringing peace to the gladiator games sponsored by CommodusRoman Empire's northern frontier. After Commodus learns of MaximusThe German tribe was shown wearing Neolithic period clothing, both characters want to kill something that is inaccurate and the otherclothing would have been more complex in fashion. Maximus attempts to conspire with those in During the Senate who dislike Commodusreign of Aurelius, while Commodus attempts to have Maximus killed there were prolonged wars in the gladiator battlesGermania.

==Battles in Germania==[[File:Gladiator-3.jpeg|thumbnail|The <i>Gladiator</i>]]The movie begins with the ailing Marcus Aurelius, the emperor of Rome, watching Maximus leading a battle against a German tribe, where the battle is portrayed as crucial in bringing peace to Roman Empire's northern frontier. The German tribe was shown wearing Neolithic period clothing, something that 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 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 fact, a conflict in Marcus Aurlieus' mind was whether to return power to the Senate rather than have it mostly be with the emperor. This is unlikely as Marcus Aurlieus, although often considered a wise emperor and even called the "philosopher king," as suggested in the film, he still believed in holding power closely and even passed power to his son, something a Roman Emperor had not done for about a century.<ref>For more on Marcus Aurelius, see: Birley, A. R. (2016). <i>Marcus aurelius: a biography.</i> Place of publication not identified: Routledge.</ref>

In fact, Marcus Aurlieus appointed his son as successor long before he died in 166 (he died in 180 CE), 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 campaign. Some rumors and stories did circulate that Commodus did kill his father, but this could Senate rather than have been later stories created to malign it mostly be with the emperor Commodus since he was not well liked by the Senate, as suggested in the film. The appointment of Commodus was controversial, This is unlikely as shown in the filmMarcus Aurelius, as Commodus was although often considered erratic a wise emperor and may have had mental problemseven called the "philosopher king, " as suggested 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. However, 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 actually popular with the armya century.<ref>For more on Commodus and his lifeMarcus Aurelius, see: AdamsBirley, GA. WR. (20132016). <i>The Emperor Commodus[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: 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 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' 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 The Emperor Commodus: gladiator, Hercules or a tyrant?]</i> Boca Raton: BrownWalker Press.</ref>{{Mediawiki:TabletAd1}}{{Mediawiki:TabletAd1}}====The Gladiator Contests====[[File:0 Colosseum - Rome 111001 (2).jpeg|thumbnail|left|300px|Figure 1. The Colosseum was the premier event for gladiator contests, where advertisement and billboards also hung to promote products.]]In the film, after Maximus was taken as a slave, but not before he discovered that Commodus killed his wife and son, he was shown as being transported and eventually enslaved as a gladiator in a far away, a 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 animals.

In the film, after Maximus was taken as a slave, but not before he discovered that his wife and son were killed by Commodus, he was shown as being transported and eventually enslaved as a gladiator in a far away eastern 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 animals. In fact, excavations Excavations at the Colosseum showed a variety of exotic animals were present there. This included: bears, lions, hyena, elephant, wild boar, buffalo, tigers, bulls, wolves, and leopards. The 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 (1st ed)].</i> . 1st ed. Harlow, England ; New York: Pearson/Longman.</ref>

Gladiators, as suggested in the film, were treated like rock startsstars. 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=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 so they could compete in main events that promised large financial rewards. Similar to sport today, the gladiator games had a lot of money that would exchange hands around the event. This revolved around gambling on the events but also rewards earned by rewarded the owners of 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>

Something not shown in the film is that gladiator contests may have looked familiar to us. Gladiators often were used to sponsor products and billboards often hung in stadium where contests would have been held. This was not shown in the film, mostly because the producers thought audience would not believe it since it is so similar to our modern sports.<ref>For more on advertising in the Roman world, see: Bomgardner, D. L. (2002). The story of the Roman amphitheatre. London; New York: Routledge, pg. 55.<dh-ad/ref>

In Something not shown in the film, after Maximus was capture trying is that gladiator contests may have looked familiar to revolt against the emperorus. He was shown as fighting Gladiators often were used to sponsor products and billboards often hung in the emperor as a one on one contest. This stadium where contests would have certainly never happenedbeen held. First, Commodus died in a coup event in 192 rather than at the hand of Maximus, as These advertisements were not shown in the final combat scene in the film. Second, Commodus, as shown in mostly because the producers thought 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 audiences would not believe it since it is so similar to dress like him in gladiator contests rather than as the emperorour modern sports.<ref>For more on Commodus' gladiator contestsadvertising in the Roman world, see: Adams 2013Bomgardner, 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 the Roman amphitheatre].</i> London; New York: 242Routledge, pg. 55.</ref>

[[File:0 Colosseum - Rome 111001 (2)In the film, after Maximus was captured trying to revolt against the emperor.jpeg|thumbnail|Figure 1. The Colosseum He was shown as fighting the premier emperor as a one on one contest. This match would have never happened. First, Commodus died in a coup event for gladiator contestsin 192 rather than at the hand of Maximus, as shown in the final combat scene in the film. Second, Commodus, as shown in the movie, did fight in the arena, although he probably only fought in events where advertisement 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 billboards also hung unable to promote productsdefend himself.]]

<u>Maximus Decimus Meridius</u>div class="portal" style='float:right; width: Maximus is an entirely fictitious character, but seems to be based on several characters, including Avidius Cassius, who was a general in Marcus Aurelius35%' armies. In fact, he did declare himself emperor shortly after Aurelius' death, suggesting a brief power struggle, but he was eventually killed. There was a general named Maximus who lived in the late Roman Empire who may have aspired to revolt against the empire.>

====Related DailyHistory.org Articles===={{#dpl:category=Roman History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=8}}</div>====Main Characters====<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, as depicted in the filmbut seems to be based on several characters, he didincluding Avidius Cassius, who was a general in fact, rule for 12 yearsMarcus Aurelius' armies. Among the odd things Commodus He did declare himself emperor or revolt shortly after thinking Aurelius died in 175, suggesting a brief power struggle, but he was rename the months and legions eventually killed after himself (he had twelve names he went by)it became clear Aurelius was not dead. He even There was a general named Maximus who lived in the late Roman people after himself. He was purported to have held naked gladiator contests, which would have outraged some Roman citizens and Empire who may have contributed aspired to his bad reputation and eventual downfall. He may have killed 100 lions in a day during his gladiator contests and other exotic animals such as elephants. Even by Roman standards, revolt against the level of slaughter may have caused outrageempire. He even started killing crippled people in the arena, which may have been <ref>For more on of the final straws before his own assassination. HoweverAvidius, his political actions were also likely unwisesee: Canduci, as he tried to declare himself consul Alexander (2010). <i>Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise and gladiator, where the former is an elected position and the later something usually only slaves should holdFall of Rome’s Immortal Emperors.</i> Roman imperial biographies. Narcissus, his wrestling partner, eventually killed him in 192 as part of a larger conspiracySydney: Pier 9. </ref>

<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 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 He even named the film depicts, Lucilla Roman people after himself. He was probably ambitious purported to be a co-ruler with her husbandhave held naked gladiator contests, which is why she would have outraged some Roman citizens and may have conspiredcontributed to his bad reputation and eventual downfall. However, she He may have not considered herself killed 100 lions in a day during his gladiator contests and other exotic animals such as ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behaviorelephants. Unlike Even by Roman standards, the film, Commodus probably did not try to level of slaughter may have incestous relations with his sistercaused outrage.

<u>Marcus Aurelius</u>: The emperor's relatively positive reputation has likely contributed to his depiction He even started killing a large number of disabled people in the film arena, which may have been one of the final straws before he was assasinated. However, his political actions were also likely unwise, as a wise ruler who he tried to avoid appointing his son. Howeverdeclare himself consul and gladiator, where the former is an elected position and the destructive character of his son may have caused later depictions of Marcus Aurelius not being content with his son succeeding himsomething usually only slaves should hold. The film depicts Marcus Aurelius lamenting Narcissus, his many warswrestling partner, but eventually killed him in reality Marcu Aurelius would have seen these wars 192 as his duty to Romepart of a larger conspiracy by Roman leaders. He was influenced by stoic philosophy<ref>For more on Commodus, which believed in wisdom, courage, justice and temperancesee: Adams 2013.</ref>

==Conclusion <u>Lucilla</u>: She was Commodus' sister and Accuracy==There were many historical inaccuracies in the film and some of , she was depicted as trying to encourage the possibly accurate events borrow from less than certain sourcesconspiracy against her brother. In factShe did conspire to kill Commodus but failed in 182, many historians who were hired leading to advise on her death. Unlike what the movie quit or refused film depicts, Lucilla was probably ambitious to be given credits because of a co-ruler with her husband (she is shown as a widow in the many historical inaccuracies the final version hadmovie), which is why she may have conspired. NeverthelessHowever, she may have not considered herself as with most historical dramas, this movie was about entertainment than historical narrativea possible ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behavior. The general narrative of a somewhat crazy emperor in Unlike the form of film, Commodus embellishing in gladiator games was true and in fact reality was probably did not seek to have an incestuous relationship with his sister.<ref>For more outrageous than what was shown in the filmon Lucilla, see: Lightman, M., Lightman, B., & Lightman, as the emperor often made himself into a gladiator 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 fought numerous contests with animals and othersRoman women].</i> (Rev. ed). New York: Facts On File, such as wounded gladiatorspg. 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, despite the destructive nature of his son, Marcus Aurelius willing to chose Commodus to be his successor 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 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: warrior, philosopher, emperor].</i> London: Vintage Books.</ref> ====Conclusion and Accuracy====There were many historical inaccuracies in the film and 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 overall narrative of a somewhat crazy emperor in the form of Commodus embellishing in gladiator games was correct. 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. If you want to learn more about gladiators, check out our article [[How Did Gladiatorial Games Evolve in Ancient Rome?]] for more information. {{MediaWiki:AmNative}} ====References====<references/> {{Contributors}}[[Category:Wikis]][[Category:Ancient History]] [[Category:Historically Accurate]] [[Category:Roman History]]