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.

====Battles in Germania====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 the 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.

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 the 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, in the film 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, still believed in holding power closely and willingly 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>

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>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====

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 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 fact, 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>Gladiators: violence and spectacle in ancient Rome.</i>. 1st ed. Harlow, England ; New York: Pearson/Longman.</ref>

Gladiators, as suggested in Excavations at the film, Colosseum showed a variety of exotic animals were treated like rock startspresent there. Those who were successful could gain favorsThis included: bears, lions, hyena, elephant, wild boar, buffalo, tigers, bulls, wolves, such as having access to women and even earn their freedomleopards. However, unlike The clothing of the filmgladiators depicted, often contests did not result in particularly the death of contestants. Animals, in facthelmets, 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 livelikely, although we do not know if this was thumbs up for living true and thumbs down for getting killed. It could have been the other way aroundwere stereotypes taken from later periods.<ref>For more on the gladiator traditionsgames in the Roman Empire, see: WinklerDunkle, M. M. (Ed.)R. (20042008). <i>Gladiator[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: film violence and historyspectacle in ancient Rome].</i> Malden. 1st ed. Harlow, MAEngland ; New York: Blackwell PubPearson/Longman.</ref>

The Colosseum (Figure 1) was Gladiators, as suggested in the premier event for gladiator contests after its construction in 70-80 CEfilm, were treated like rock stars. Ambitious trainersThose who were successful could gain favors, similar such as having access to how women and even earn their freedom. However, unlike the film depicts it, would try to situate themselves so they could compete often contests did not result in main events that promised large financial rewardsthe death of contestants. Similar to sport todayAnimals, in fact, the gladiator games had a lot of money that would exchange hands around the eventwere more often killed in contests. This revolved around gambling on may have been de-emphasized in the events but also rewards earned by the owners from film. The emperors did use their thumbs at times to depict if the gladiator slavesshould die or live, which is one reason why mass killing of people may although we do not know if this was thumbs up for living and thumbs down for getting killed. It could have occurred that oftenbeen the other way around.<ref>For more on the Colosseum and venues for gladiator conteststraditions, see: AldreteWinkler, GM. SM. (2008Ed.). (2004). <i>Daily life in the Roman city[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: Rome, Pompeii film and Ostia (Oklahoma paperback ed)history].</i> NormanMalden, MA: Univ. of Oklahoma PressBlackwell Pub.</ref>

Something not shown 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 is depicts it, would try to situate themselves so they could compete in main events that gladiator contests may have looked familiar to uspromised large financial rewards. Gladiators often were used Similar to sponsor products and billboards often hung in stadium where contests sport today, the gladiator games had a lot of money that would have been heldexchange hands around the event. This was not shown in revolved around gambling on the events but also rewarded the owners from the filmgladiator slaves, mostly because which is one reason why the producers thought film audiences would mass killing of gladiators may not believe it since it is so similar to our modern sportshave occurred that often.<ref>For more on advertising in the Roman worldColosseum and venues for gladiator contests, see: BomgardnerAldrete, DG. LS. (20022008). <i>The story of [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 amphitheatrecity: Rome, Pompeii and Ostia] (Oklahoma paperback ed).</i> London; New YorkNorman: Routledge, pgUniv. 55of Oklahoma Press.</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<dh-ad/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 the stadium where contests would have been held. These advertisements were not shown in the film, mostly because the producers thought film audiences 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). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415301858/ref=as_li_tl?ie=Main CharactersUTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0415301858&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=23f8ea6b9900470adc695008478dd264 The story of the Roman amphitheatre].</i> London; New York: Routledge, pg. 55.</ref>

<u>In the film, after Maximus Decimus Meridius</u>: Maximus is an entirely fictitious character, but seems was captured trying to be based on several characters, including Avidius Cassius, who revolt against the emperor. He was shown as fighting the emperor as a general in Marcus Aurelius' armiesone on one contest. This match would have never happened. In factFirst, he did declare himself emperor or revolt shortly after thinking Aurelius Commodus died in 175, suggesting a brief power strugglecoup event in 192 rather than at the hand of Maximus, but he was eventually killed after it was learned Aurelius was not dead. There was a general named Maximus who lived as shown in the late Roman Empire who may have aspired to revolt against final combat scene in the empirefilm.<ref>For more on AvidiusSecond, see: CanduciCommodus, Alexander (2010)as shown in the movie, did fight in the arena, although he probably only fought in events where he was assured victory such as against animals or crippled captives. <i>Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise film does suggest this as Commodus does mortally wound Maximus before their fight, when Maximus was tied and Fall of Rome’s Immortal Emperors.</i> Roman imperial biographies. Sydney: Pier 9unable to defend himself.</ref>

<u>Commodus</u>: While Commodus is a historical figure who did hold gladiator contests and may have been mentally unstableNevertheless, historians indicate he liked to think of himself as depicted in the filmHercules, he did, in fact, rule for 12 years. Among the odd things Commodus did was rename the months and legions after himself (he had twelve names he went by). He even named the Roman people after himself. He was purported began to have held naked gladiator contests, which would have outraged some Roman citizens and may have contributed to his bad reputation and eventual downfall. He may have killed 100 lions dress like him in a day during his gladiator contests and other exotic animals such rather than as elephants. Even by Roman standards, the level of slaughter may have caused outrage. He even started killing a large number of crippled people in the arenaemperor, which may have been on of the final straws before his own assassination. However, his political actions were also likely unwise, as where he tried to declare himself consul and gladiator, where wore bright emperor clothing in the former is 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 leadersfilm.<ref>For more on Commodus' gladiator contests, see: Adams 2013.: 242</ref>

<u>Lucilla</u>: She was Commodusdiv class="portal" style=' sister and in the film she was depicted as trying to encourage the conspiracy against her brother. She did, in fact, 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. However, she may have not considered herself as a possible ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behavior. Unlike the film, Commodus probably did not try to have incestous relations with his sister.<ref>For more on Lucilla, seefloat: Lightman, M., Lightman, B., & Lightman, M. (2008).<i>A to Z of ancient Greek and Roman women.</i> (Rev. ed). New Yorkright; width: Facts On File, pg. 195.</ref35%'>

====Related DailyHistory.org Articles===={{#dpl:category=Roman History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=8}}</div>====Main Characters====<u>Marcus AureliusMaximus Decimus Meridius</u>: The emperor's relatively positive reputation has likely contributed Maximus is an entirely fictitious character, but seems to his depiction in the film as a wise ruler (i.e.be based on several characters, including Avidius Cassius, the philosopher king) who tried to avoid appointing his son. However, the destructive character of his son may have caused later depictions of was a general in Marcus Aurelius not being content with his son succeeding him, event though he probably willing chose him' armies. The film depicts Marcus He did declare himself emperor or revolt shortly after thinking Aurelius lamenting his many warsdied in 175, suggesting a brief power struggle, but in reality Marcu he was eventually killed after it became clear Aurelius would have seen these wars as his duty to Romewas not dead. He There was influenced by stoic philosophy, which believed a general named Maximus who lived in wisdom, courage, justice and temperancethe late Roman Empire who may have aspired to revolt against the empire.<ref>For more on Marcus Aurelius as the philosopher kingAvidius, see: McLynnCanduci, F. Alexander (2010). <i>Marcus AureliusTriumph & Tragedy: warrior, philosopher, emperorThe Rise and Fall of Rome’s Immortal Emperors.</i> LondonRoman imperial biographies. Sydney: Vintage BooksPier 9.</ref>

==Conclusion <u>Commodus</u>: While Commodus is a historical figure who did hold gladiator contests and Accuracy==There were many historical inaccuracies may have been mentally unstable, as depicted in the film and some of the possibly accurate events borrow from less than certain sources. In , he did, in fact, many historians who were hired to advise on rule for 12 years. Among the movie quit or refused to be given credits because of odd things Commodus did was rename the many historical inaccuracies months and legions after himself (he had twelve names he went by). He even named the final version hadRoman people after himself. Nevertheless, as with most historical dramas, this movie He was more about entertainment than historical narrative. The general narrative of a somewhat crazy emperor in the form of Commodus embellishing in purported to have held naked gladiator games was true contests, 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 fact, reality was probably more outrageous than what was shown in the film, as the emperor often made himself dress as a day during his gladiator contests and fought numerous contests with other exotic animals and others, such as wounded gladiatorselephants. Even by Roman standards, the level of slaughter may have caused outrage.

He even started killing a large number of disabled people in the arena, which may have been one of the final straws before he was assasinated. However, his political actions were also likely unwise, as he tried to declare himself consul and gladiator, where the former is 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 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. However, she may have not considered herself as 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, 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]]