The film Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott in 2000, follows the life of the Roman general Maximus who is outcast as a slave by Emperor Commodus and must survive as a gladiator. To some extent, Hollywood's appropriation of historical fiction has positively influenced people's understanding of ancient Roman culture. This is evident as Gladiator accurately depicts gladiators, their roles within Roman society, as well as the gladiatorial games and the structure of the Colosseum. While Gladiator provides information on a broader historical context, there are limitations. Subsequently, the film focused on selected individuals and includes creative interpretations to fill in the gaps. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Gladiators, as depicted in the film, benefit our knowledge and understanding of ancient Roman culture. The equipment worn by the gladiators in the film is faithful to the archaeological evidence. During battle, many gladiators appear to be wearing a Thracian gladiator helmet. This is historically accurate as these helmets were found in Pompeii and are believed to have been used by gladiators. The shields depicted in Gladiator also follow historical accuracy. The shield used by Maximus is surrounded by repeated patterns of gladiatorial combat. Gladiator shields have been found in Pompeii with similar dimensions and decorated designs. Gladiator accurately portrays the daily life and cultural aspects of gladiators within Roman society. The role of gladiators in ancient Roman society was accurately depicted in the film. In the social hierarchy, gladiators were seen as criminal slaves, prisoners of war or volunteers. The treatment of gladiators as slaves in the film is shown as Emperor Commodus asks Maximus, “Slave! Who are you?" The film accurately depicts the diet of gladiators. Analysis of gladiator bones carried out in the Roman city of Ephesus suggests that gladiators mainly consumed wheat, barley and beans. However, the samples revealed a higher protein intake, verifying that the gladiators were from different parts of the Empire. This is supported in the film, as gladiators of different nationalities are shown to eat a similar vegetarian concoction. Additionally, the idolization of gladiators by women was depicted in Gladiator. Maximus is shown to be worshiped by female supporters at the Colosseum, who appear to be sexually attracted. This is supported by ancient graffiti discovered in a Pompeian gladiator barracks, detailing this idolatry by stating "Celadus, heartthrob of girls". lifestyle and role of gladiators in society, The Gladiator positively influences our knowledge of the culture of ancient Rome. The film's depiction of gladiatorial games positively influences our knowledge and understanding of ancient Roman culture. Gladiator carefully describes the battles that gladiators would engage in, primarily with wild beasts. The film shows Maximus, sparring with a veteran gladiator, battling wild tigers. This adheres to archaeological evidence as Appendix ... details gladiators fighting wild animals. The presence of animals in the arena is confirmed by Seneca, a skeptical spectator; “In the morning men are paired with lions and bears.” The structure of the Colosseum, fundamental to Roman culture, was accurately represented in the film. The canopies, on the Colosseum, were.