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. 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 AurlieusAurelius' mind was whether to return power to the Senate rather than have it mostly be with the emperor. This is unlikely as Marcus AurlieusAurelius, 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 aureliusAurelius: a biography].</i> Place of publication not identified: Routledge.</ref>

Marcus Aurlieus Aurelius appointed his son as successor long before he died in 166 (he died in 180 CE), making it clear that Comodus 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 Aurlieus 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>

====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>[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 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. MR. (Ed.). (20042008). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1405110422B00ID6R2CW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1405110422B00ID6R2CW&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=0a0147f269beb6328eb63b9d10801203 Gladiator3e1905f472915347388e16545946008c Gladiators: film violence and historyspectacle in ancient Rome].</i> Malden. 1st ed. Harlow, MAEngland ; New York: Blackwell PubPearson/Longman.</ref>

Gladiators, as suggested in the film, were 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, 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 from the gladiator slaves, which is one reason why the mass killing of people 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 the stadium where contests would have been held. This was 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 amphitheatre].</i> London; New York: Routledge, pg. 55.</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 match would have 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 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. 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> ====Main Characters====

In the film<u>Maximus Decimus Meridius</u>: Maximus is an entirely fictitious character, after Maximus was captured trying but seems to revolt against the emperor. He was shown as fighting the emperor as a one be based on one contest. This would have certainly never happened. Firstseveral characters, including Avidius Cassius, Commodus died in who was a coup event general in 192 rather than at the hand of Maximus, as shown in the final combat scene in the filmMarcus Aurelius' armies. Second, Commodus, as shown He did declare himself emperor or revolt shortly after thinking Aurelius died in the film175, did fight in the arenasuggesting a brief power struggle, although he probably only fought in events where but he was assured victory such as against animals or crippled captiveseventually killed after it became clear Aurelius was not dead. The film does suggest this as Commodus does mortally wound There was a general named 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 who lived in gladiator contests rather than as the emperor, where he wore bright emperor clothing in late Roman Empire who may have aspired to revolt against the filmempire.<ref>For more on Commodus' gladiator contestsAvidius, see: Adams 2013Canduci, Alexander (2010). <i>Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise and Fall of Rome’s Immortal Emperors.</i> Roman imperial biographies. Sydney: 242Pier 9.</ref>

<u>Maximus Decimus Meridius</u>: Maximus is an entirely fictitious characterHe even started killing a large number of disabled people in the arena, but seems to be based on several characters, including Avidius Cassius, who which may have been one of the final straws before he was a general in Marcus Aurelius' armiesassasinated. In factHowever, his political actions were also likely unwise, as he did tried to declare himself emperor or revolt shortly after thinking Aurelius died in 175consul and gladiator, where the former is an elected position and the later something usually only slaves should hold. Narcissus, suggesting a brief power strugglehis wrestling partner, but he was eventually killed after it was learned Aurelius was not dead. There was him in 192 as part of a general named Maximus who lived in the late larger conspiracy by Roman Empire who may have aspired to revolt against the empireleaders.<ref>For more on AvidiusCommodus, see: Canduci, Alexander (2010). <i>Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise and Fall of Rome’s Immortal Emperors.</i> Roman imperial biographies. Sydney: Pier 9Adams 2013.</ref>

<u>CommodusLucilla</u>: While She was Commodus is a historical figure who did hold gladiator contests ' sister and may have been mentally unstable, as depicted in the film, he she was depicted as trying to encourage the conspiracy against her brother. She did, conspire to kill Commodus but failed in fact182, rule for 12 yearsleading to her death. Among Unlike what the odd things Commodus did film depicts, Lucilla was rename probably ambitious to be a co-ruler with her husband (she is shown as a widow in the months and legions after himself (he had twelve names he went bymovie). 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 is why she may have contributed to his bad reputation and eventual downfallconspired. He However, she may have killed 100 lions in not considered herself as a day during his gladiator contests and other exotic animals such as elephantspossible ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behavior. Even by Roman standards, Unlike the level of slaughter may have caused outrage. He even started killing a large number of crippled people in the arenafilm, which may Commodus probably did not seek to have been on of the final straws before an incestuous relationship with his own assassinationsister. However<ref>For more on Lucilla, see: Lightman, his political actions were also likely unwiseM., as he tried to declare himself consul and gladiatorLightman, where the former is an elected position and the later something usually only slaves should holdB. Narcissus, his wrestling partner& Lightman, eventually killed him in 192 as part 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 a larger conspiracy by ancient Greek and Roman leaderswomen].<ref/i>For more on Commodus(Rev. ed). New York: Facts On File, see: Adams 2013pg. 195.</ref>

<u>LucillaMarcus Aurelius</u>: She was CommodusThe emperor' sister and s relatively positive reputation has likely contributed to his depiction in the film she was depicted as trying a wise ruler (i.e., the philosopher king) who tried to encourage the conspiracy against her brotheravoid appointing his son. She didHowever, in factdespite the destructive nature of his son, conspire Marcus Aurelius willing to kill chose Commodus but failed in 182, leading to her deathbe his successor and heir. Unlike what the The film depictsMarcus Aurelius lamenting his many wars, Lucilla was probably ambitious to be a co-ruler with her husband (she is shown as a widow but in the movie), which is why she may have conspired. Howeverreality, she may Marcu Aurelius would have not considered herself seen these wars as a possible ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behaviorhis duty to Rome. Unlike the filmHe was influenced by Stoic philosophy, which believed in wisdom, courage, justice, Commodus probably did not try to have incestous relations with his sisterand temperance.<ref>For more on LucillaMarcus Aurelius as the philosopher king, see: Lightman McLynn, M., Lightman, B., & Lightman, MF. (20082010).<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/08160311261844135276/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=08160311261844135276&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=e0745e365189f3743bd8492787d85ed5 A to Z of ancient Greek and Roman womenb7e495cc41272b5a97414fb499bdbe9c Marcus Aurelius: warrior, philosopher, emperor].</i> (Rev. ed). New YorkLondon: Facts On File, pg. 195Vintage Books.</ref>

<u>Marcus Aurelius</u>: The emperor's relatively positive reputation has likely contributed to his depiction ====Conclusion and Accuracy====There were many historical inaccuracies in the film as a wise ruler (i.e., and the philosopher king) historians who tried were hired to avoid appointing his son. However, despite advise on the destructive nature of his son of his son, Marcus Aurelius willing chose Commus movie quit or refused to be his successor and heirgiven credits because of the many historical inaccuracies the final version had. The film depicts Marcus Aurelius lamenting his many warsNevertheless, but in reality Marcu Aurelius would have seen these wars as his duty to Rome. He with most historical dramas, this movie 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 Booksabout entertainment than historical narrative.</ref>

==Conclusion and Accuracy==There were many historical inaccuracies in the film and some of the possibly accurate events borrow from less than certain sources. In fact, many 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.