The portrayal of Historical Figures and Events in Film and Television many films and television
series attempt to depict historical events and figures, but their accuracy is often questionable. This can
lead to misunderstandings among the general public, as is the case with Emperor Commodus, who is
portrayed differently in the movie Gladiator than in historical accounts. While Gladiator is widely
recognized for its outstanding representation of ancient Roman culture, historians are hesitant to
endorse the film due to its inaccurate portrayal of Commodus and the time period. The film is
particularly concerning when compared to Dio's and Herodian's historical texts written during the same
period. Despite coming from different backgrounds, both writers focused on distinct aspects of
Commodus. Dio, being a senator, highlighted Commodus’ politics, while Herodian, a freedman with
limited personal experience, relied on references from standard authorities of the time. As a result,
there are three significant differences between Gladiator's portrayal of Commodus and the writings of
Dio and Herodian: the duration of his reign, his relationship with his father, Marcus Aurelius, and the
extent of his eccentricity.
Gladiator's depiction of Commodus' reign is inaccurate, as the movie only shows a six-month
reign while in reality, he ruled for twelve years, longer than most emperors of his time (Hekster, 2002).
The film's portrayal of Commodus also simplifies his character, as he was known for tyranny but also had
some positive outcomes during his reign, such as his tolerance of Christians who were able to live
peacefully without persecution from local officials (Healy, 1908). Had the film shown Commodus' full
actions, it would have made him a more complex character, and naming Maximus the hero and
Commodus the villain would have been more difficult. It is worth noting that Commodus' reign paved
the way for Constantine, who granted religious freedom to Christians by making Christianity the official
state religion (Ward, 2014). Contradicting Commodus' Character in "Gladiator": Fact vs. Fiction In the
movie "Gladiator," Commodus was depicted as participating in gladiator games and dying in the ring.
However, in reality, he actually ended the gladiator games and died by being strangled in a bathtub. The
movie's portrayal of his six-month reign and dramatic death served the purpose of creating a clear,
dramatic storyline. Nonetheless, Commodus served as emperor for twelve years and his actions were
not entirely depraved as depicted in the movie.
Comparing the Depictions of Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator and Historical Accounts when
examining the accounts of Gladiator and Dio and Herodian, one could easily conclude that the
portrayal of Marcus Aurelius was vastly different in each. In Gladiator, Aurelius is depicted as a
beloved and respected emperor who sought to strengthen the Senate and bring peace to Rome.
Conversely, historical evidence suggests that Aurelius actually weakened the Senate and
systematically oppressed his enemies, including religious groups like Christians (Gibbon, 2015).
Despite Commodus being Aurelius' first son to be "born in the purple," he shared his father's
vision of being a supreme leader and followed in his footsteps (Herodian, 1961). Aurelius' efforts
to educate and prepare Commodus for his future role in leadership contradicts the portrayal in
Gladiator that Commodus was ignorant of the politics of Rome. However, the movie does
accurately depict the tension between Aurelius and Commodus, and the reluctance of Aurelius to
appoint Commodus as his successor. In the end, Aurelius chooses Maximus as his successor,
unaware of the treacherous plot that would lead to his own death and the rise of Commodus. He
was very familiar with the inner workings of the Roman government and seemed familiar with it.
Get ready for him to become emperor. After all, Commodus' father was focused on his son's
success Mr. Kaiser has surrounded his son with top Senate advisers during his tenure. At the
young age of 19, he became emperor (Dio, 2015). Presence of a male advisor Aurelius shows
Commodus preparing everything for him to become emperor (Dio, 2015). Aurelius Suggested
Provisions and Support for His Son Indicating that Gladiator did not accurately portray their
relationship, there was no discussion of it He succeeded Aurelius as emperor.
Commodus is notorious for his eccentric and seemingly insane behavior. It has been Note
that Commodus had many advisors from his father. His father was good by letting them into his
life, he changed his mind, but Commodus would become \"his fellow slaves.\"It will lead him to
misfortune (Dio, 2015).Commodus and his father did not respect him these advisors had the
greatest influence in Commodus' life, but there was little they could do. Make decisions (Gibbon,
2015). An example of this is when: Commodus secured peace between the Germanic peoples
and the Romans. As a result, many soldiers and the senator was angry because he felt he had
missed his chance to gain power. Fame. In the film, this event looks like he was completely
planned by Commodus without it. Although he hadn't heard from others, he actually followed his
adviser's plan despite it.Not everyone agrees that this is best (Gibbon, 2015). As Commodus got
older, he started. I don't really care what anyone thinks of him. Have the Senate declare him a
god and call everyone From 12 different names he passed after 12 months and adopted a name
such as: The 'conqueror of the world' became the norm for him (Speidel, 1993). Gladiator
focuses on some His other actions more typical of the time, such as participating in Gladiator
games and his suspicion of a coming assassination attempt. Those parts of his character were
correct, but his fear of his sister was not properly portrayed in the film, and Commodus treated
the other two sisters even worse (Hekster, 2002). He engaged in sexual activity activities with
them, which further damaged his reputation. In Gladiator they are sure, its right to show that
Commodus acted horribly towards his sisters, but they should if they wanted the film to be
historically accurate, they didn't focus on Lucilla. The film was historically correct in showing
Commodus as a morally bankrupt emperor, Misplaced and undercut some parts, not to indicate
that Commodus acted as a member of the group his cruel behavior.
Many historical events are made in movies, but these are not always made if we look at
history, that is also true of the story of the Gladiator and Emperor Commodus. In the meantime
the film builds on the fact that great artistic freedom is needed when it comes to Commodus. His
relationship with his father, how he behaved as a ruler, and even the length of his reign.
Historical sources for this may have been referenced by authors such as Dio and Herodian We
used to make more accurate movies, but we made the same drama, the movie magic that the
creators wanted. Movies about historical events and people it might help you have a basic
understanding of the time the movie was set in, don't you think? A good source to learn more
about the events depicted.
Bibliography
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Hannah, Robert. "The Emperor's Stars: The Conservatori Portrait of Commodus." American
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Healy, Patrick. The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. Edited by Kevin Knight. New York:
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https://www.lewrockwell.com/2001/03/gary-north/the-monster-marcus-aurelius/.
Speidel, M. P. "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army." The Journal of Roman Studies 83
(1993): 109-14. doi:10.2307/300981.
Ward, A.M. 2014. History of the Roman People. New York: Routledge.
