Emperor Marcus Aurelius (played by Richard Harris) asks his commanding general Maximus (played by Russell Crowe) to succeed him and then to end the corruptness of the kingdom by returning power to the Senate of Rome for the good of the people. ... Maximus is motivated by the desire to defend his family and the prosperous way of life that Roman imperialism provides. ... The last wish of the Emperor before he dies is to give the power of Rome back to the people by giving the Senate control rather than an emperor. ... With a central character grounded by family, religion, and a pledge of loyalty ...

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

However, over time the Romans found it was damaging to the foundation as well as to the flooring. ... Occasionally, free Romans and women would enter the fight for a few brief moments of glory. ... They were to teach the local Romans how to fight in preparation for visits outside their empire and to display the strength and courage of the Roman citizen to unemployed visitors to the city of Rome. ... As the new Roman Emperor, Constantine ended all persecution of Christians. ... The emperor Augustus sought to preserve the pietas and virtus of the knight class and Roman senate by forbidding...

• Word Count: 1481
• Approx Pages: 6

Gladiator is about the victorious and admired Roman General, Maximus Decimus Meridias. ... This means taking temporary control of the Empire until the Roman Senate can get it together enough to take over. ... Maximus very weak now, orders the troops to be freed, and the empire handed over to the Roman Senate. ...

• Word Count: 1340
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School