What Gladiator II Gets Right and Wrong About Real Fights in the Colosseum

As a history enthusiast with a particular fascination for the Roman Empire, I must say that watching “Gladiator II” has been a captivating journey into the past. The film masterfully recreates the grandeur and brutality of ancient Rome’s gladiatorial contests, offering a glimpse into an era where the line between entertainment and bloodshed was remarkably blurred.

When you consider ancient Rome, it’s typically gladiatorial contests that come to mind first. However, these Colosseum battles remain shrouded in mystery, which makes them intriguing subjects for creative scriptwriters. A clear example is Gladiator II, the sequel to the 2000 blockbuster and five-time Academy Award winner, Gladiator, now playing in cinemas (Nov. 22).

Artworks depict gladiators, such as mosaics, are quite common, however, detailed accounts of their battles primarily stem from “On the Spectacles,” an anthology by the poet Marcilius (circa 80 AD). In this work, it’s mentioned that Priscus and Verus engaged in a fierce battle, with both men emitting powerful shouts. The combatants were evenly matched, as suggested by the text, and continued fighting until the emperor signaled the end of their battle by raising his finger.

As a classicist and author of “Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World,” Mary Beard often ponders why we only have one account from the end of the first century AD that describes a single gladiatorial contest

It’s common knowledge that Roman citizens, regardless of their social status, adored gladiator fights, which were a powerful way for them to connect as a community, as stated by Beard. These fights often elicited enthusiasm from the audience, with many enjoying the violence and brutality depicted in the arena, as shown in the movie.

In “Gladiator II,” we find the story of a grandson of the renowned Emperor Marcus Aurelius who, following the conquest of his city-state, is reduced to slavery and forced to fight as a gladiator in Rome’s Colosseum. One influential businessman, Macrinus (portrayed by Denzel Washington), acquires this slave named Lucius, as part of his strategy to build an army of these combatants.

Although a school for gladiators did indeed exist near the Colosseum where various fighting techniques were taught, and Macrinus was indeed a historical figure who eventually rose to become emperor of Rome, it’s important to note that Macrinus himself never trained gladiators. However, it is accurate that gladiators might have originated from territories subjugated by the Roman Empire. In the depicted battle, one fight is portrayed as a triumph of Rome over the barbarians.

As Beard points out, it was a ritualistic and systematic act of violence. I can’t help but suspect that some spectators found pleasure in witnessing the demise of those they considered adversaries.

Gladiators were chosen from the fringes of society

As a film critic, I’d rephrase it as: Gladiators hailed from diverse origins, encompassing the enslaved, criminals awaiting execution, prisoners of war, and even vagabonds. Essentially, these warriors stood on the fringes of Roman society, as described by Beard.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Colosseum was sometimes filled with water to stage grand naval battles, a spectacle called naumachia. Professor Andrew Scott of Villanova University compares these events to reenactments of the American Civil War. However, it’s highly improbable that actual sharks were present during these performances, as depicted in movies, according to Scott, who states, “I’ve never come across the word ‘shark’ in any ancient historical text.

Battles featured not only human combat but also simulated hunts involving exotic beasts. It’s plausible that gladiators could have even mounted such wildlife. In the fictional sequel, Gladiator II, a gladiator engages in a fight atop a rhinoceros. In actual ancient Rome, soldiers may have captured animals from the regions they subjugated. However, it’s more likely that the wild beasts displayed in the arena were local wildlife such as boars.

In a more casual and engaging manner, one could say: While Gladiator II may not stick to historical facts in every detail, as Beard points out, the Gladiator series effectively portrays the awe-inspiring, almost unreal spectacles that truly existed in gladiatorial combats.

2024-11-22 22:06