Fall 2020 HIEU 322 - Module/Week 6 - Research Paper
Research Paper Instructions
You will write a 4–6-page research-based paper (not counting title page and bibliography) focusing on
the portrayal of the Roman Emperor Commodus (and/or the state of the Roman Empire during his reign)
in film versus his portrayal by contemporaries and scholars.
"Presentation: Commodus - https://streamable.com/9q9mwm
WEBSITE: "A REVIEW OF 'GLADIATOR'" BY GARY NORTH
In addition to the Gary North review (found in the Reading & Study folder), you must use at least 2
primary sources (such as Cassius Dio) and 4 secondary sources (e.g., monographs, scholarly journal
articles, etc.). Be sure to provide a clear thesis statement based on your research.
The paper must be typed, double-spaced, and in current Turabian format (with title page and
bibliography).
Please and Thank You
THE PORTRAYAL OF EMPEROR COMMODUS 1
The portrayal of Emperor Commodus and the State of the Roman Empire in ‘gladiator’
and in Real-Life
Student Name
Institutional Affiliations
THE PORTRAYAL OF EMPEROR COMMODUS 2
Introduction
Television uses history to make progressive facts, and entertainment. History shapes
different facts and these facts are essential since they help in the revolution to improve and
project the social differences of reality. Most of the historical facts have been depicted in films
and the films speak of different realities. Sometimes, films, have been used to present facts and
use these facts to communicate and share of the transitions in society. For instance, the realities
of philosophy, leadership, architecture, science, and innovation, and ethics of religion, literature,
and sociology have roots in the Romanian and Greek Empires. Consequently, films have been
used in the past and present and will be used in the future to communicate the different factors of
history and reality. The use of historical facts will shape the understanding of laws and
regulations as shaped by modern society. Therefore, the main focus of this analysis is to
determine the portray of Emperor Commodus in the film Gladiator (2001) and the real-life as a
Roman Empire’s Emperor
The film and its Facts
The plot of Gladiator (2001) is a film showcasing the different attributes between a
soldier and leader of the Roman Empire. The protagonist is a solder named Maximus and the
antagonist of the film is Emperor Commodus. One shed of change is the wit of Emperor
Commodus has he did not fight nor win the Germanic War. This is the beginning of his reign and
as he kills his father; hence, his reign of 12 years starts and this is the period at which Emperor
Commodus is depicted as an insane emperor. From the film’s setting, the plot offers a look into
his life and he kills his father to succeed him on the throne. According to Cavallini (2009), the
character of Aurelius is depicted as hostile to his son, Commodus. Thus, in the film, there is no
love for the emperor of Commodus. Thus, is this portrayal, which and this is condition and
THE PORTRAYAL OF EMPEROR COMMODUS 3
reality of the emperor, who kills his father to take the throne and rule. Maximus learns of the
truth and does not obey the so-called Roman emperor Commodus, thus, the antagonist of the
story sets his sights by selling Maximus to slavery. Another important fact as depicted in the film
is the position of Emperor Commodus and his role in his downfall. In the film, he does not fight
in the gladiator and he has an uncanny eye for bloodshed. In the film, he hosts a lot of gladiator
games and these games are what drives him to the edge till his assassination.
The Real- Life
Based on Cavallini (2009), there are different facts as portrayed in the film and in real-
life. In the Roman Empire, emperors were to vote and decide who could succeed and take the
throne. The resolve is to consider and determine the underlying assumptions of growth and
consideration of life in power. During the Roman Empire, Aurelius wanted his son Commodus to
succeed him and was not hostile as the film depicts. There is a condition in that the roman
emperors only wanted to vote and identify worthy leaders and sons to take over the governance
of the kingdom. On the other hand, in reality, as not depicted in the film, Commodus wanted his
blood and flesh to rule and succeed him. In contrary to the film, it is portrayed as a tyrant ruler
and cannot lead with sanity. In the real-life, Commodus had over 12 names and he named
different things in the roman society after his name. In the sanity of his gladiator games, he
wanted entertainment and he killed many lions in the form of gladiator rules and games. It is the
sanity, which shows a change in the way the film does figure and portray his leadership and
governance. In the real-life situation, Commodus does not show support rather a self-centered
individual with a lack of empathy and insane. He is eventually assassinated after his reign of 12-
years.
Discussion
THE PORTRAYAL OF EMPEROR COMMODUS 4
According to Eubanks (2012), “In contrast to the film, Aurelius ruled jointly with
Commodus for three years before the former’s death, caused by some form of plague akin to
measles or smallpox.” The paradox of the film and the reality does not shape the existence of
Commodus as a villain who killed his father for the lust for power. It is a fictional addition of the
film, in which the events are true by the reality is different. The film’s excellent and it portrays
the arena as a common ground, which smells blood and it is a fictional place based on social
differences, such as impact and the loss of life through death. Based on Eubanks (2012), it is
essential to give and obtain a structure bashed and shaped with an only symbol defined with
existence, diversity, and its functional way of life. As a result, the action steps in defining a
choice given to develop and influence its existence in reality. In real-life, Commodus is
portrayed as insane and he killed animals for sports. His popular gladiator games were seen as a
resemblance of diversity relating to social development and keen support for his lust for power.
In reality, Commodus did not murder his father, and he did not sire any children. There is
contrast since it shapes a different picture from the film as communicates the reality in the film
and differences in reality. Therefore, there is a need for defining a structure shaped within one’s
position to motivate and enhance personal development.
Conclusion
The reality in history is different as presented by the different points of the Gladiator. The
reflection on history gives rise to the popular culture before diversity and evolution. The roman
empires offer a good look into the different kinds of rulers and laws in the past. Society, based on
history has undergone different changes and these changes include literature, learning, education,
assimilation, and social development with a focus on diversity. It is an essential way to promote
the educational aspect, such as weighing and managing to deal with the many laws, regulations,
THE PORTRAYAL OF EMPEROR COMMODUS 5
and activities of social diversity. In gladiator, the film portrays the antagonism of Commodus and
Maximus. The kind of a leader or ruler who lusts over his father is the kingdom and wants to rule
with an iron fist. The difference for this kind is defined within a social set-up, which does not
promote and instead, undermines the relationship of social development and diversity. In
conclusion, the reality of the Commodus in the history of the Roman Empire is different as
compared to the story or events of the film. It is essential to consider the ruling of this a choice
and nature given to enhance and promote its cohesiveness and diversity in real-life.
THE PORTRAYAL OF EMPEROR COMMODUS 6
References
Adams, G. W. (2013). The Emperor Commodus: Gladiator, Hercules Or a Tyrant?. Universal-
Publishers.
Cavallini, E. (2009). Was Commodus really that bad?. The Fall of the Roman Empire Film and
History, 102.
Eubanks, A. R. (2012). Same spectacle, other observers: The Fall of the Roman Empire and
Gladiator. West Virginia University Philological Papers, 55, 125-135.
The portrayal of Emperor Commodus and the State of the Roman Empire in ‘gladiator’
and in Real-Life – Outline
I. Introduction
A. Television uses history to make progressive facts and entertainment. History shapes
different facts and these facts are essential since they help in the revolution to
improve and project the social differences of reality.
B. The main focus of this analysis is to determine the portrayal of Emperor Commodus
in the film Gladiator (2001) and the real-life as a Roman Empire’s Emperor.
II. The film and its Facts
A. The plot of Gladiator (2001) is a film showcasing the different attributes between a
soldier and leader of the Roman Empire
B. According to Cavallini (2009), the character of Aurelius is depicted as hostile to his
son, Commodus.
III. The Real- Life
A. In the Roman Empire, emperors were to vote and decide who could succeed and take
the throne.
B. Commodus wanted his blood and flesh to rule and succeed him. In contrary to the
film, it is portrayed as a tyrant ruler and cannot lead with sanity
IV. Discussion
A. The paradox of the film and the reality does not shape the existence of Commodus as
a villain who killed his father for the lust for power
B. Based on Eubanks (2012), it is essential to give and obtain a structure bashed and
shaped with an only symbol defined with existence, diversity, and its functional way
of life
V. Conclusion
A. The reality in history is different as presented by the different points of the Gladiator
B. In gladiator, the film portrays the antagonism of Commodus and Maximus.
