... 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. When Marcus Aurelius discloses his plan of succession to his son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) he ... 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 ... worke...

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

Gladiator is about the victorious and admired Roman General, Maximus Decimus Meridias. His only desire is to return home from battle to his wife and son. He has been away for over two years. But sadly, things are ... sits on his death bed and tells that he would like Maximus to insure that Rome returns to public rule. This means taking temporary control of the Empire until the Roman Senate can get it together enough to take over. Maximus at first refuses, but ultimately agrees to wield the power when the emperor dies. The Emperor then tells his actual son ... end, Maximus wins the battle a...

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

... entertainment served a political purpose. 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. During the Colosseum's opening ceremonies in A.D. 80, spectacles were held for 100 days in which hundreds of animals and 2,000 ... men, not a slave will fight. Though low on the social scale, free men often found popularity and patronage of wealthy Roman citizens by becoming gladiators. The emperor Augustus sought to preserve the pietas and virtus...

• Word Count: 1481
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography