Gladiator

Summary

Ridley Scott’sGladiatorculminates in an epical battle between Maximus and Commodus in the arena , with the former general finally triumphing – yet his victory is only possible after a surprising betrayal with real historic roots . Despite vividly bringing the world of Ancient Rome to life , Gladiatorplays riotous and loose with history . Many characters are make specifically for the cinema , while others are distort reflections of their historical twin . Despite this , however , the movie does provide some precise insights – especially in its dramatic ending .

Throughout the film , some of the most enigmatic image are the emperor butterfly ’s Pretorian guard . A redoubtable fighting force , they are shown to be always at the emperor ’s side – accompanying Marcus Aurelius when he make it in Germania and chaperone Commodus whenever he enters the arena . They are even shown to carry out underhand missions , such as executing Maximus and bump off his family , making them seem fiercely loyal . InGladiator ’s finish , however , the real nature of the Praetorians is revealed .

Commodus' Praetorians Betraying Him Reflects Real History

After Maximus disarms Commodus , the panicked emperor moth beg his assembled guards for a new sword . However , at the program line of Quintus – Maximus ' former friend , the soldiers turn away , sheathing their weapons or else . At first glance , this betrayal seems bizarre , as it seems much more potential that the soldiers would mind to their emperor butterfly ahead of their commander . However , the truth is that this apparently unexplained consequence is a fair reflection of how the Praetorian Guard often comport throughout Roman story .

More than 20 years after the original Gladiator , the sequel arrived in 2024 . Here is everything you need to roll in the hay about Gladiator 2 .

Despite serving as elect bodyguards since the reign of Augustus , the Praetorians often betrayed their emperors – often being like a shot involved in their deaths . In total , the Praetorians are believed to be creditworthy for the deaths of 13 emperors , include infamous figures like Commodus and Caligula . While the soldier ' actions inGladiator ’s ending might seem surprising , having the Praetorians betray the Saturnia pavonia is actually one of the most historically precise details in the entire movie .

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Why The Praetorians Ignore Commodus In Gladiator’s Ending

Historically , the Praetorians would murder emperors out of political expediency or if their principle became too tyrannical . However , for all Commodus ' shortcoming inGladiator , neither of these explanations warrant their reply in the film ’s final setting on their own . Instead , it is a combination of Commodus ' character and the actions of Quintus that provide an answer .

As commander of the Praetorians , Quintus has considerable sway over the unit . It is he who takes unmediated natural action against Commodus , rather than the scout group act spontaneously , with the motion-picture show suggesting it is his bond with Maximus that prompts his change of heart . While the Praetorians may have spontaneously renegade , Gladiatorsuggests that their treachery would not have evidence in the same way without Quintus .

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Cast

Gladiator Commodus Joaquin Phoenix in front of lightning

Custom image by Debanjana Chowdhury

Quintus in armor in Gladiator

A composite image of Russell Crowe’s Maximus from Gladiator over a picture of Paul Mescal

Headshot Of Russell Crowe

Headshot of Joaquin Phoenix

Gladiator