In 2000, Ridley Scott directed a movie titled Gladiator after being inspired by a 19th century painting which depicted a gladiator standing atop the bodies of his slain enemies. The chronicles the story of General Maximus Decimus Meridus (Russell Crowe) and begins one night when the emperor, Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), reveals to his son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), that he wishes for Maximus to become his successor. In a fit of rage, Commodus murders his father and declares himself as Marcus Aurelius’ successor. Soon after, Commodus calls for Maximus and orders him to swear fealty. Refusing to pledge his allegiance to the new emperor of Rome, Maximus walks out and Commodus orders for his execution at the break of dawn. Fortunately,
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Maximus is so overcome with grief and pain that he collapses at the feet of his wife and son. Sometime afterwards, while still unconscious, Maximus was taken away by some slave traders to a distant town called Zucchabar. At Zucchabar, Maximus is bought by a retired gladiator named Proximo (Oliver Reed). Soon after, Maximus starts fighting in gladiator tournaments in order to gain his freedom and obtain revenge against Commodus. Proximo notices and teaches Maximus that even though he is very adept at killing his opponents, he must win over the crowd in order to acquire his freedom. Additionally, Proximo suggests that Maximus participate in the 150 Days of Games that Commodus is organizing in honor of his recently deceased father, the former emperor Marcus Aurelius. Maximus decides to take Proximo’s advice and they both travel to Rome so that Maximus can participate in the games. A disguised Maximus wins his first game by leading and directing the other gladiators to victory. Commodus is intrigued by this masked gladiator and goes down to the arena to meet him. Maximus is disgusted by Commodus and refuses to speak with him and turns his
Maximus is so overcome with grief and pain that he collapses at the feet of his wife and son. Sometime afterwards, while still unconscious, Maximus was taken away by some slave traders to a distant town called Zucchabar. At Zucchabar, Maximus is bought by a retired gladiator named Proximo (Oliver Reed). Soon after, Maximus starts fighting in gladiator tournaments in order to gain his freedom and obtain revenge against Commodus. Proximo notices and teaches Maximus that even though he is very adept at killing his opponents, he must win over the crowd in order to acquire his freedom. Additionally, Proximo suggests that Maximus participate in the 150 Days of Games that Commodus is organizing in honor of his recently deceased father, the former emperor Marcus Aurelius. Maximus decides to take Proximo’s advice and they both travel to Rome so that Maximus can participate in the games. A disguised Maximus wins his first game by leading and directing the other gladiators to victory. Commodus is intrigued by this masked gladiator and goes down to the arena to meet him. Maximus is disgusted by Commodus and refuses to speak with him and turns his