... introduces us to some characters and places that actually have existed. One of the most interesting and well-known periods of history was that of the Roman Empire. During this time we learned many of the bases for what our culture is today. We also learned of how barbaric and sadistic this ... existing. Another point of the movie that was false was the fact that after Maximus and Commodus died in the Coliseum, Rome was never restored as a republic, in fact Senator Graccius never even existed. Although people are led to believe this, this information is completely false. The movie as a wh...

• Word Count: 1287
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... of the late emperor Marcus Aurelius. Maximus is motivated by the desire to defend his family and the prosperous way of life that Roman imperialism provides. Whereas Commodus proves that the masses enjoy bread and circuses, Maximus in the end gains support from the masses by displaying ... is for the people by the people. With a central character grounded by family, religion, and a pledge of loyalty to the dream of a Roman Republic, the film allows time for thematic and moral issues to draw attention to themselves. It does eventually boil down to a fairly conventionally war resolution in ...

• Word Count: 1374
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... emperor Titus; while the emperor Trajan in his triumph (AD 107) had 5,000 pairs of gladiators. Shows were also given in other towns of the Roman Empire, as can be seen form the traces of amphitheatres. There were various classes of gladiators, distinguished by their arms or modes of fighting. The ... mercy of his adversary, he lifted up his forefinger to implore the clemency of the people, to who (in the later times of the Republic) the giver left the decision as to his life or death. If the spectators were in favor of mercy they waved their handkerchiefs; if ... in the rising led by Sp...

• Word Count: 1635
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School