Gladiator

Life in ancient Rome was hard. Fathers were often separated from their families, defending the Empire's far-flung borders. Mothers had lots of children, but many babies died.

 To distract citizens from the daily grind, and to protect their own base of power, the Emperor and other wealthy families hosted games. The spectacles were often bloody, a tradition started in Rome by its earlier conquerors, the Etruscans.

In the Colosseum - away from the wild animals which were often brought into the arena - Rome's citizens were safely seated, separated by class distinctions. Sometimes they watched men fight other men. These gladiators, as they were called, were Rome's equivalent of movie stars (except that gladiators were members of the lowest class).

Sometimes gladiators fought wild animals instead of each other. Sometimes animals killed other animals. The arena floor was always covered with sand, to absorb spilled blood.

In this story behind the movie, virtually visit ancient Rome. Meet Commodus, a Roman emperor (180-192 AD) who indiscriminately killed animals while dressed as a gladiator. Learn the meaning of “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” as those terms relate to Colosseum spectators.

Discover what ancient historians had to say about Commodus, the son of Marcus Aurelius. And ... uncover the plot, concocted by the emperor’s closest associates, which resulted in his death.