We’re left with 13 gladiator movies — many of which are extremely Christian and many of which have gay undertones (not mutually exclusive) — that earn a thumbs-up from a discerning Caesar. And, in that spirit,

Nothing worked until the creative team entirely scrapped the idea of bringing Maximus back, and refocused the drama on Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal) — the son Maximus never knew he had. That has its highs and lows;

The drama in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, out Nov. 22, not only takes place in the Colosseum arena floor, but also in the stands, between the emperors Geta and his older brother, Caracalla, played by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger,

We don't know where they originated.” What is known is that gladiator fights were beloved by Romans and a true civic bonding experience, according to Beard. Citizens of all levels of society could attend.