More than two decades after the first film, the Gladiator sequel debuted in theaters in November. The film was once again directed by Ridley Scott, who brought a story that takes place in ancient Rome and features several historical characters.
We already know that the original film featured historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor, his son Commodus, and his daughter Lucilla, who also features in the recently released sequel. Meanwhile, the protagonist Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, was completely fictional, based on Roman generals and gladiators of the time.
But, besides having some characters based on real figures and others completely fictional, what else is real and ? Check out the article below!
What’s real and fake about the Gladiator franchise?
The sequel, which debuted in theaters on the 14th, is set 25 years after the story of the first, following the journey of Lucius (Paul Mescal), son of Maximus (Russell Crowe) and Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), after his family she was murdered and the character becomes a gladiator.
The film features a real historical background, mixed with fictional events and characters. Check out some of the facts and adaptations that the film brought to the big screen.
Colosseum flood
It may seem like fiction, but the scene is based on real events, which took place in the lakes and artificial pools of Ancient Rome. These shows were called naumaquias, in which warships simulated large battles. In them, professional gladiators faced each other on the water.
However, to make the confrontation even more compelling, the director chose to recreate the battle with the sharks in the waters of the Colosseum.
Animals used in combat
At the time, wild animals were used as some of the most diverse opponents gladiators could encounter in the arenas. This fact was also shown in the first film of the 2000s, as something common in Ancient Rome.
Animals such as lions and tigers were used to duel fighters, and although they were less common, rhinos, as well as crocodiles, were also used in demonstrations to make the disputes more violent and grandiose.
Master of Ceremonies at the Colosseum
Matt Lucas appears in Gladiator 2 as the Colosseum’s master of ceremonies, to draw public attention to upcoming attractions. This role actually existed in real life, in order to receive and entertain the most noble guests of the place. However, it is unclear whether the person assigned to the role also announced the battles.
Console monkey
In this case, there is no sign that Caracalla actually turned his monkey into a consul or that the animal existed. But the scene in Gladiator 2 was based on a true story of the emperor Caligula, who wanted to transform his horse Incitatus in a noble of the empire.
The invasion of Numidia occurred at a different time
Right at the beginning of the recently released sequence, the viewer sees Numidia invaded by the forces of General Acacius (Pedro Pascal). However, this is an anachronistic event in the context of the film, since, although real, it occurred centuries before what was shown in the cinema.
To be faithful in this sense, the film should present Numidia as a relatively pacified Roman settlement, which could also serve as Lucius’ hideout. However, it would be very unlikely for him to become a slave after a major battle.
Social life of gladiators
In the first film, Maximus gains fame and influence through his battles and decisions in the arena. However, in real life the life of the gladiators was not like that, as the warriors of the Colosseum were seen almost as scum by the population, who only saw them as entertainment.
The Emperor’s gesture
This is one of the Gladiator’s most iconic hallmarks, and it’s not entirely true to the story. In the film the decision of the battles is in the hands of the emperor Commodus, who raises or lowers his thumb to indicate the end of the fight, symbolizing clemency or death.
The decision of Muneris publisher (the “referee” of the fight, who can also be a senator or other political type) and the symbol are historical, but the idea of the thumb lowered to symbolize death is a dramatization for the film, inspired by the painting”Verse of the police”, by Jean-Léon Gérôme. In it, the audience calls for the death of the fallen gladiator using the thumbs down.
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Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
