Political Analysis of the movie Gladiator. Asked by prof to summarize & examine cultural influences, economy, political events.

Political Analysis of "Gladiator" Katie B. The movie "Gladiator" explores the complex political problem of one man's rapid transformation from general to slave, slave to gladiator, and gladiator to liberator. The bulk of the movie takes place in Ancient Rome, during a time of war and the emergence of Christianity. It delves into segments of Roman culture, political conflicts typical of the era, and a myriad of different social classes. The story begins in Germania, …

…before he destroys you." Maximus swears vengeance (a concept sprung from the Greek "arête," or machismo), and is granted his wish when he slays Commodus in rigged fight. He ends the dictatorship and becomes the liberator of Rome, a political role even stranger than that of the Emperor's non-familial successor. Before he dies, Maximus declares that Senator Gracchus is to be reinstated, and that Marcus Julianus' "true vision of Rome" would come to pass.