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 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 Although they were close to annexing Moravia and West Slovakia during his son as successor long before he died in 166 (he died in 180 CE)reign, making it clear that Comodus was his choice all alongwars there were largely inconclusive. He also died in Vienna (ancient Vindobona), but The movie depicts the film showed him dying in Germania during the campaign. Some rumors and stories did circulate that Commodus did kill emperor being killed by his father, but this could have been later stories created to malign the emperor son Commodus since he was not well liked by the Senate, as suggested in the film. The appointment of although Commodus was controversial, as shown in the filmalready co-emperor. From historical documents, mainly in the writings of Cassius Dio, there There is indication no evidence that Marcus Aurlieus was disappointed in Commodus had any difficult relationship with his sonfather, suggesting he had some trepidation about him. Cassius Dio indicates that Rome suffered as Commodus came to power, but this could be part of although later propaganda after the reign of authors did disparage Commodus. It Furthermore, although Maximus is hard to tell what mostly a fictional character, it is exactly accurate not likely Marcus Aurelius would appoint a general as Commodus may have been more disliked by protector of the upper classesempire, while some indication suggests he was popular with as suggested in the army or even lower classes as a sort of peoples' emperor.<ref>For more on Commodus and movie where shortly before his lifedeath, see: Adams, G. W. (2013). <i>The Emperor Commodus: gladiator, Hercules or a tyrant?</i> Boca Raton: BrownWalker Pressthe fictional Marcus Aurelius asked Maximus to lead the empire.</ref>

In fact, in the film, a conflict in Marcus Aurelius' mind was whether to return power to the Senate rather than have it mostly be with the emperor. This is unlikely as Marcus Aurelius, 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>[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: Routledge.</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> ==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> <dh-ad/> Something not shown in the film is that gladiator contests may have looked familiar to us. Gladiators often were used to sponsoring 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=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0415301858&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=23f8ea6b9900470adc695008478dd264 The story of the Roman amphitheater].</i> London; New York: Routledge, pg. 55.</ref>

Gladiators, as suggested in In the film, were treated like rock startsafter Maximus was captured trying to revolt against the emperor. Those who were successful could gain favors, such He was shown as having access to women and even earn their freedom. However, unlike fighting the film, often contests did not result emperor in the death of contestantsa one on one contest. This match would have never happened. AnimalsFirst, Commodus died in a coup event in fact192 rather than at Maximus's hand, were more often killed as shown in contests. This may have been de-emphasized the final combat scene in the film. The emperors did use their thumbs at times to depict if Second, Commodus, as shown in the gladiator should die or livemovie, although we do not know if this was thumbs up for living and thumbs down for getting killed. It could have been did fight in the other way aroundarena.<ref>For more on gladiator traditionsHowever, see: Winkler, Mhe probably only fought in events where he has assured victories against animals or crippled captives. M. (Ed.). (2004). <i>Gladiator: The film does suggest this as Commodus does mortally wound Maximus before their fight when Maximus was tied and history.</i> Malden, MA: Blackwell Pubunable to defend himself.</ref>

The Colosseum (Figure 1) was the premier event for gladiator contests after its construction in 70-80 CE. Ambitious trainersNevertheless, similar historians indicate he liked to how the film depicts itthink of himself as Hercules, would try and even began to situate themselves so they could compete dress like him 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 contests rather than as the event. This revolved around gambling on emperor, where he wore bright emperor clothing in the events but also rewards earned by the owners from the gladiator slaves, which is one reason why mass killing of people may not have occurred that oftenfilm.<ref>For more on the Colosseum and venues for Commodus' gladiator contests, see: Aldrete, G. S. (2008). <i>Daily life in the Roman city: Rome, Pompeii and Ostia (Oklahoma paperback ed).</i> NormanAdams 2013: Univ. of Oklahoma Press.242</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 film audiences would not believe it since it is so similar to our modern sports.<ref>For more on advertising in the Roman world, seediv class="portal" style='float: Bomgardner, D. L. (2002). <i>The story of the Roman amphitheatre.</i> Londonright; New Yorkwidth: Routledge, pg. 55.</ref35%'>

In the film, after Maximus was captured trying to revolt against the emperor====Related DailyHistory. 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 2013org Articles===={{#dpl: 242category=Roman History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=12}}</refdiv>

==Main CharactersWho was Maximus Decimus Meridius Based On?==<u>Maximus Decimus Meridius</u>: Maximus is an entirely fictitious character but seems to be based on several characters, including Avidius Cassius, a general in Marcus Aurelius' armies. He declared himself emperor shortly after thinking Aurelius died in 175, suggesting a brief power struggle. Still, he was eventually killed after it became clear Aurelius was not dead. A general named Maximus lived in the late Roman Empire who may have inspired Gladiator's story of a revolt against an emperor.<ref>For more on Avidius, see: Canduci, 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>Maximus Decimus MeridiusCommodus</u>: Maximus While Commodus is an entirely fictitious charactera historical figure who did hold gladiator contests and may have been mentally unstable, but seems to be based on several charactersas depicted in the film, including Avidius Cassiushe did, who was a general in Marcus Aurelius' armies. In fact, he rule the Roman Empire for 12 years. Among the odd things Commodus did declare was rename the months and legions after himself emperor or revolt shortly after thinking Aurelius died in 175, suggesting a brief power struggle, but (he had twelve names he was eventually killed after it was learned Aurelius was not deadwent by). There was a general He even named Maximus who lived in the late Roman Empire who may people after himself. He was purported to have held naked gladiator contests, which would have aspired outraged some Roman citizens and contributed to revolt against the empirehis bad reputation and eventual downfall.<ref>For more on Avidius, see: Canduci, Alexander (2010). <i>Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise He may have killed 100 lions in a day during his gladiator contests and Fall of Rome’s Immortal Emperorsother exotic animals such as elephants.</i> Even by Roman imperial biographiesstandards, the level of slaughter may have caused outrage. Sydney: Pier 9.</ref>

<u>Commodus</u>: While Commodus is a historical figure who did hold gladiator contests and may have been mentally unstable, as depicted in the film, 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 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 in a day during his gladiator contests and other exotic animals such as elephants. Even by Roman standards, the level of slaughter may have caused outrage. He even started killing a large number of crippled many disabled people in the arena, which may have been on one of the final straws before his own assassinationhe was assassinated. However, his political actions were also likely unwise, as he . He tried to declare himself consul and gladiator, where the former is an elected position and the later something 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, 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 conspiredagainst her brother. However, she may not have not considered herself as a possible ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behavior. Unlike the film, Commodus probably did not try seek to have incestous relations 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 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====