Usually "those
about to die" in the Roman Colosseum were condemned prisoners, professional gladiators,
Christians, or
animals. The spectacle of the "games" was often
bloody, a tradition started in Rome by its earlier conquerors, the Etruscans.
But not until the reign of Commodus (180-192 AD) did Roman citizens witness wholesale slaughter by a Caesar himself, dressed as a gladiator and acting like a madman. Who was this Emperor, this Caesar, who thought of himself as a god?
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Author: Carole D. Bos, J.D.
To cite this story, using MLA Guidelines:
Bos, Carole D. "Gladiator: The Story Behind The Movie." AwesomeStories.com. Date of access
<http://www.awesomestories.com/movies/gladiator/gladiator_ch1.htm>.
IN OTHER WORDS: Author. Title of story. Name of web site. Date of access <URL>.
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