As a history enthusiast and archaeologist who has spent countless hours delving into the intricacies of ancient civilizations, I find Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 to be a captivating cinematic masterpiece that beautifully blends historical facts with creative liberties. While the film offers a thrilling spectacle, it is essential to separate fact from fiction to appreciate its true value.
In a straightforward narrative, Ridley Scott’s proposed sequel to ‘Gladiator’, titled ‘Gladiator II‘, follows the story of Lucius Verus Aurelius, better known as “Hanno”. Hanno is the grandson of the late emperor Marcus Aurelius and the son of the original film’s hero, Maximus Decimus Meridius. Born in Numidia, Hanno is seized during a battle and transported to Rome where he is forced to fight as a gladiator. This period of captivity unexpectedly becomes a blessing, enabling him to reconnect with his mother and regain his rightful standing within the Roman aristocracy.
Similar to numerous other films directed by Ridley Scott, the sequel takes creative liberties with historical facts. Characters undergo significant transformations, such as Macrinus being portrayed as a prominent gladiator owner instead of an Emperor, and emperors Geta and Caracalla being depicted as twins when in reality, Caracalla was older. In this article, we will avoid discussing alterations to the real-life characters (previously discussed) and instead focus on specific inaccuracies related to the movie’s portrayal of the era.
5 The Raid on Numidia
At the start of Gladiator II, we find Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal) concealing his identity as “Hanno” with his wife Arishat (Yuval Gonen) in the African kingdom of Numidia. However, their peaceful existence is shattered when Roman troops, commanded by General Acacius (Pedro Pascal), storm and seize control of the land. Tragically, Arishat perishes during the battle, while Lucius and his guide, the chieftain Jugurtha, are apprehended and enslaved.
Numidia Didn’t Need to Be Conquered
In the sequel titled “Gladiator II“, the story unfolds during the rule of emperors Geta and Caracalla. By this time, Numidia had been a part of Rome for approximately 250 years as a province, making it unnecessary for characters like Acacius to launch naval attacks against the territory, as depicted in the original film. Also, Jugurtha (played by Peter Mensah), whose ambition instigated Rome’s invasion, should not feature in this movie because he had already passed away in 118 BC, while Geta and Caracalla were born much later in 188 AD and 189 AD respectively.
Nonetheless, the concept of the assault on Numidia, originated in the writing studio, remains crucial because it serves as a cornerstone for the film’s narrative development. Without this battle, there would be no way for Lucius to return to Rome. Additionally, the attack is vital to portray the might of General Acacius.
4 Reenacting the Battle of Salamis
It’s understandable if one assumes that the naval battles depicted in “Gladiator II” are just movie magic, but they actually occurred. These events were called Naumachia and were first introduced by Julius Caesar in Rome back in 46 BC as a way to celebrate his four military victories, known as a quadruple triumph. The Naumachia of Julius Caesar was made feasible through the excavation of a basin close to the River Tiber. It wasn’t until much later that these events were held within the Colosseum by emperors Titus and Domitian.
Before the reenacted naval battle in the film, the announcer claims that the gladiators will reenact the Battle of Salamis, fought between the Trojans and the Persians. But this is highly incorrect.
There Was no Trojan Involvement
Historically speaking, the Battle of Salamis took place in 480 BC, pitting an alliance led by Athenian general Themistocles from a group of Greek city-states against King Xerxes’ Achaemenid Empire. Despite being outnumbered, the Greeks managed to secure a triumphant victory.
The error made by the announcer is not significant enough to alter the movie’s storyline, so it’s not worth worrying about. For those interested in learning more about the actual Battle of Salamis, Zack Snyder’s 300: Rise of an Empire provides a more accurate portrayal of its events.
3 The Presence of Sharks in Naumachia
In this reenactment of naval battles, the film depicts sharks circling the Colosseum. If a warrior should misfortune strike and plunge into the water, he meets an end reminiscent of a Jaws character. This adds to the show’s excitement, but to echo Ridley Scott when asked about Denzel Washington’s on-set kiss: It never took place.
Sharks Aren’t Mentioned in Any Records
As someone who appreciates the thrill of historical spectacles, I must say it’s fascinating that no records suggest sharks were ever used within the grandeur of the Colosseum. Yet, imagining their inclusion adds an extra layer of excitement. The mere thought of audiences being momentarily plunged into a slice of ancient terror, as unfortunate individuals were attacked and the rest trembled with fear, is captivating.
When asked about the sharks by Collider, Ridley Scott seemed to believe it happened:
Friend, if you’re capable of constructing something as grand as the Colosseum, then managing to fill it with water should be no joke, right? And catching a few sharks in a net from the ocean, come on, that’s not a far-fetched idea, is it? Of course they can.
It’s commendable that you’re trying to revise historical accounts, Scott, however, it seems that respected scholars like Shadi Bartsch, a classicist from the University of Chicago, assert that the majority of ancient Romans remained unfamiliar with the existence of sharks.
2 Daily Newspapers
One intriguing spectacle showcases a Roman aristocrat enjoying what seems like tea alongside his daily news, but considering the time of emperors Caracalla and Geta, was the practice of journalism as we know it today widespread in Rome? Not yet.
The Printing Press Came Much Later
1440 marked the year when German goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg introduced the groundbreaking invention, the movable-type printing press, igniting the Printing Revolution and making publications like books and newspapers widespread. On the other hand, the storyline of Gladiator II unfolds around 1200 years prior to these events, so it’s safe to say that there was no such thing as a newspaper in that time period.
It’s important to mention that Ancient Rome had its own version of a newspaper system. Known as the Acta Diurna, this daily official gazette was introduced by Julius Caesar in 59 BC. Instead of being distributed to individuals like modern newspapers, the contents were engraved onto stone or metal and displayed on public notice boards, such as those found in the Forum of Rome. The news primarily focused on court proceedings, the emperor’s decrees, messages from the Roman Senate and magistrates, along with announcements about marriages, births, and deaths.
1 Gladiators Fighting Animals
In another famous moment, Lucius Verus faces off against a formidable adversary on a rhinoceros, its horns stained with blood. The creature is fierce, and the situation seems grim for our hero, but following an intense battle, he manages to gain control and emerges victorious. It’s important to note that this scenario is purely fictional.
Only the Bestiarii and the Venatores Fought Animals
In the memorable sequence, Lucius’ bravery and expertise are emphasized, making him appear as a man capable of handling any danger. Yet, it’s important to note that gladiators fought other men, not animals. This scene where Lucius battles a rhino is therefore unconventional. The individuals who faced animals in the arena were categorized into two groups: Venatores and Bestiarii. The Venatores were tasked with hunting and slaying the animals for the audience’s amusement, not just prisoners destined to be killed by them. Contrarily, the Bestiarii were typically enemies of the state, sentenced to die in the arena, usually without armor or weapons (which isn’t portrayed in the movie).
Despite managing to eliminate one animal, many more kept being released, eventually leading to the demise of all the beastiari. In some instances, animals even engaged in combat with each other. Martial, a renowned Roman poet, chronicled an instance from Rome’s Colosseum in AD 80 where a one-horned rhino lifted a bull into the air, not the two-horned version depicted in movies. It’s important to clarify that there is no proof suggesting people rode these rhinos.
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2024-11-30 19:02