LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Gladiator: Roman Empire
built 216 days ago
Like the games it portrays, Gladiator is an impressive spectacle in its own right. Director Scott and his crew spared no expense in bringing the look and feel of the Roman Empire to life on the big screen. For the most part, the results are stunning. Battle scenes are violent, chaotic, and thrilling. The restored vision of ancient Rome is a wonder to behold. Scott's attention to detail, his use of subtle symbolism, and his construction of scenes all point to a skilled, effective director.
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During the war between the Shi'ar and Kree Empires, Gladiator sought to stop the team of super-powered Earth beings known as the Avengers from becoming embroiled in the conflict. He clashed with both the ionic energy-powered Wonder Man and the Norse god of thunder, Thor. However, Gladiator had met his match with Thor, who brutally rendered Gladiator unconscious and then hurled him through one of the Shi'ar's transportational stargates, sealing it behind him.
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Estimations are that there were more 100 Gladiator schools (ludi) throughout the empire. Two of the more famous are the school in Capua where Spartacus was trained and the school in Pompeii that was buried in the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius. One of the largest schools was based in Ravenna. There were four schools in Rome: Ludus Magnus (the most important), Ludus Dacus, Ludus Gallicus, and Ludus Matutinus (school for gladiators dealing with animals). The schools had barracks for the gladiators with small cells and a large training ground. The most impressive had seating for spectators to watch the men train and some even had boxes for the emperor.
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Roman Empire