Did they put sharks in the Colosseum? Let’s fact-check Gladiator 2’s biggest moments

As a historian who has spent years delving into the intricacies of ancient Rome, I must say that Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II is a fascinating, albeit somewhat fantastical, portrayal of the Roman Empire. While it takes liberties with historical facts for dramatic effect, it manages to capture the essence of the era in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Gladiator 2 spoilers follow.

Is the historical accuracy of “Gladiator II” a hot topic? Indeed, it seems to be on everyone’s mind, not primarily driven by scholarly curiosity, but rather due to the intrigue surrounding director Ridley Scott’s potential response to such inquiries.

To quote his feelings on the historians who picked apart last year’s Napoleon: “Get a life”.

As a gaming enthusiast like Scott, I understand where he’s coming from when it comes to history buffs not being affected by claims of lacking extracurricular activities. After all, my passion for games doesn’t diminish the enjoyment I get from delving into historical facts. However, regardless of our hobbies, we’re still eagerly anticipating dissecting ‘Gladiator 2’, as it promises to offer a thrilling experience!

It appears that Scott finds it puzzling why most classical scholars seem thrilled by these films, as they offer an opportunity for them to discuss their ongoing musings about the Roman Empire at great length with non-classical friends who are new to the subject.

Alright, make yourself at home, as I’m about to share some essential details regarding Scott’s recent journey into history. Please note that the information ahead may reveal key plot points, so proceed with caution if you want to avoid spoilers.

Did they put sharks in the Colosseum?

No.

However, it seems there’s some confusion in this statement. After calling Scott’s movie “entirely Hollywood nonsense,” Dr Shadi Bartsch of the University of Chicago explained to The Hollywood Reporter that the Romans probably wouldn’t have recognized a shark. In fact, this assertion appears to be incorrect.

Multiple Roman authors, such as Pliny the Elder who was both an admiral and naturalist, penned works on sharks. These creatures were also represented artistically, with a second-century BCE mosaic from Pompeii showcasing a scenic portrayal of various ocean life.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d like to share my thoughts on the recent trailer for Gladiator 2. While it’s hard to imagine tiny ships navigating the Colosseum, let’s cut Scott some slack. The movie is daring to show us something never seen before – massive naval battles called naumachiae, a spectacle I’ve only experienced in strategy games! It’s pretty cool that they had the courage and resources to bring this epic maritime combat to our screens for the first time.

Naumachiae events were primarily reenactments of significant historical battles from the past – for instance, in the depicted film, it’s the Battle of Salamis, which took place between the Greeks and the Persian Empire around 480 BCE. As recorded by Roman historian Cassius Dio, Emperor Nero orchestrated a naval conflict portraying Persians and Athenians.

Instead of just discussing specialized pools built for these events, historical accounts like those of Dio indicate that the Colosseum itself was flooded – on occasions led by Emperor Titus and later by his successor Domitian – to stage the grand spectacles known as naumachiae.

Speaking of the other beasts Lucius confronts, it seems they aren’t depicted as being ridden by gladiators on rhinos. However, history shows that these exotic creatures were indeed brought to Rome for public spectacles. There are tales suggesting that elephants, bulls, and bears might have been matched against each other in some of those events.

In various settings, animals were kept for public viewing and hunts were commonly organized as spectacles. While the usual scenario involves men facing off against lions, panthers, elephants, and crocodiles, the notion of a rhinoceros and a troop of baboons isn’t entirely outlandish either.

Did the Romans read newspapers?

Bartsch pointed out an obvious anachronism in his interview with The Hollywood Reporter: Macrinus drinking tea at a café while reading the newspaper, as this level of rapid publication and distribution of written material wouldn’t be possible without a printing press, which was not invented until 1440 AD.

Indeed, Bartsch notes that the Romans used the Acta Diuma, announcements engraved onto stone or metal and displayed publicly, that essentially performed a similar role as well.

In the Roman Empire, they didn’t have tea, coffee, or chocolate. Instead, they enjoyed a drink known as calda or ca’lida, made by combining warm water with wine and possibly some spices for flavor.

Indeed, although there may not be a specific café as we know it today, it’s crucial to remember that Romans did have their equivalent of fast food establishments. These were known as thermopolia, and they were characterized by long counters facing the street, offering hot, ready-to-eat meals such as fish, stews, and pastries. You can get a firsthand look at these if you visit Pompeii or Herculaneum.

In addition, the movie “Gladiator 2” accurately portrays the use of a wax tablet, as Lucilla examines and reminisces over some of Lucius’s former scholarly work by scraping it out.

Crafted from wood and coated with a layer of wax, these writing tools were both reusable and portable. They allowed for inscriptions using a sharp stylus, which could be effortlessly erased for future use. Notably, they were frequently employed by learners for their studies, as depicted in the example provided.

Did Caracalla really appoint a monkey as consul?

It could sadden you to discover that the star monkey character from “Gladiator 2,” Dundus, the cherished pet of Emperor Caracalla, is actually a fictional character and not based on historical fact.

Yet, these animals were widely cherished as pets, and the portrayal of an enraged Caracalla elevating Dundus to the prestigious rank of consul may symbolize Roman historian Suetonius’s account that Emperor Caligula had such affection for his horse Incitatus that he attempted to bestow upon him the title of consul.

It’s a wild story. But, it’s important to keep in mind that ancient historians tended to be gossip fiends (and also had personal, vested interests), and that many of these scandalous anecdotes about “mad, bad” emperors may have actually been the work of embittered rivals and successors intent on staining the historical record.

Geta and Caracalla are often referred to as “notorious” emperors, but Scott’s portrayal of them is off the mark. While it’s accurate that their father, Septimius Severus, planned for both sons to share power after his death, their rivalry escalated so quickly that Geta was murdered, allegedly by Caracalla’s hand. After this tragic event, Caracalla commanded that all traces of his brother be erased from history.

Instead of being known as a spoiled, monkey-loving, syphilitic brat with a cruel reputation, Caracalla was seen as a ruthless and harsh military leader. Senators detested him due to the preference he showed towards the army, raising their annual salary and elevating their social standing while spending most of his time engaged in military campaigns. Interestingly, he was eventually assassinated by one of his discontented soldiers.

Moreover, although Scott’s depiction of the Roman Empire mirrors Western European, Christian empires that many people are accustomed to, its foundation in concepts of white supremacy can create a misleading image. This simplistic portrayal tends to hide the intricate and nuanced ways Romans perceived race and identity.

Septimius Severus was actually born in Leptis Magna, in present-day Libya, while Geta and Caracalla’s mother, Julia Domna, was a Syrian noblewoman.

Did the Romans fight female archers?

In the beginning of “Gladiator 2”, character named Lucius safeguards an undisclosed city in Numidia against a Roman assault led by Marcus Acacius. During this encounter, we witness his wife engaging in battle alongside numerous other female archers.

In the new movie, it’s not quite apparent who these women characters represent, yet it’s worth noting that Scott had previously included female archers in his earlier film, portraying them as gladiatrices or female gladiators – a group of warriors who did exist historically, although they were seldom depicted or discussed.

Numerous stories abound about strong female figures, including many women, who bravely challenged the immense power of the Roman Empire.

It appears that Scott’s portrayal of Boudica as a female archer might be influenced by just one origin: the mythical Amazon women. Some believe these warriors had the custom of cutting off a breast for easier bow use, and they interacted with men solely for reproduction purposes.

The legends of female warriors are prevalent in Greek and Roman mythology, yet archaeological discoveries have suggested that these tales may have originated from historical figures. As more graves of women warriors are found across Eurasia, among the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Hittites, it seems there could be a genuine basis for these stories.

Was Macrinus a real person?

Indeed, while a Macrinus did indeed follow Caracalla as emperor, it’s important to note that the historical Macrinus bore little resemblance to Denzel Washington’s portrayal of him in any movie. Furthermore, contrary to popular fiction, there is no record of this Macrinus having his hands amputated by Paul Mescal or anyone else.

(An important side note: the Roman Republic was not restored at the end of Commodus’s reign, and neither was it at the end of Caracalla’s. There really was no “dream of Rome”.)

It’s worth noting that Macrinus, who was once a slave, reaching high power, might symbolize his unique status as the first Roman Emperor not born into the senatorial class. He originated from present-day Algeria, belonging to an equestrian family with Amazigh roots.

He wasn’t an arms dealer, but did serve under Caracalla as a praetorian prefect dealing with civil affairs. And he did have him murdered, and was actually successful in succeeding him as emperor. But then, as Scott would surely argue, where’s the fun in that?

Gladiator II is out now in UK cinemas and is released in US cinemas on November 22.

Read More

• ONDO PREDICTION. ONDO cryptocurrency
• SOL PREDICTION. SOL cryptocurrency
• LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
• FLOKI PREDICTION. FLOKI cryptocurrency
• APT PREDICTION. APT cryptocurrency
• Top gainers and losers
• JPY KRW PREDICTION
• ETH PREDICTION. ETH cryptocurrency
• XAI PREDICTION. XAI cryptocurrency
• USD PEN PREDICTION

2024-11-15 20:20