Gladiator, The Movie - History Film Guide

Gladiator, the Movie - History Film Guide

Source: Public Domain Source: Public Domain Synopsis: In Gladiator, victorious general Maximus Decimus Meridias has been named keeper of Rome and its empire by dying emperor Marcus Aurelius, so that rule might pass from the Caesars back to the people and Senate. Marcus' neglected and power-hungry son, Commodus, has other ideas, however. Escaping an ordered execution, Maximus hurries back to his home in Spain, too late to save his wife and son from the same order.

Taken into slavery and trained as a gladiator by Proximo, Maximus lives only that he might someday take his revenge and fulfill the dying wish of his emperor. The time soon comes when Proximo's troupe is called to Rome to participate in a marathon of gladiator games held at the behest of the new emperor, Commodus.

Once in Rome, Maximus wastes no time in making his presence known, and is soon involved in a plot to overthrow the emperor with his former-love Lucilla, Commodus' sister, after whom he lusts, and also the widowed mother of Lucius, heir to the empire after his uncle, and democratic-minded senator, Gracchus.

GLADIATOR -

Director – Ridley Scott

Background: The Roman Republic endured from 509-264bc. Beginning in 264bc, the Romans conquered most of the Mediterranean world and built an immense empire. At its height the Roman Empire consisted of 3.5 million square miles and ruled one quarter of the world’s population (50 million people).

They regularly maintained an army of 400,000 men and built over 50,000 miles of quality roads. The capital city Rome had a population that at times topped 1,000,000 and the Coliseum, built as an arena for entertainments, and could seat 50,000 spectators. Characters :

Marcus Aurelius – (161-180ad) one of the “Five Good Emperors” (Richard Harris);

Commodus – emperor’s son, next in line of succession (Joaquin Phoenix);

Lucillus – emperor’s politically savvy daughter (her son, Lucius)

Maximus Decimus Meridius – general of the Roman army of the north, greatly beloved by the emperor and by his soldiers, from Spain (Russell Crowe);

Quintus – second-in-command to General Maximus;

Cicero – personal servant to General Maximus

Proximo – owner/manager of a troop of slave/gladiators (Oliver Reed);

Juba – slave/gladiator who becomes Maximus fighting partner (Djimon Hounsou)

Answer the following questions..

1) By using the comments and actions of the various characters, what conclusions can you draw about the nature of religious belief in this time period? What religious practices, rituals, or traditions are depicted in the film?

2) What social classes can you distinguish among the Roman people?

Describe the differences in lifestyle, experience, and privilege between the classes. What conclusions can you draw about the nature of Roman slavery?

3) What political structure does Rome possess? Who has power and authority?

What efforts are being made to change the political structure and by whom?

What did Marcus Aurelius hope would happen? What is the role of the army in the Roman Empire?

4) What does General Maximus value? What does he believe in? How does the film establish these values and beliefs?

5) What present day attractions do people visit while in Rome?