Gladiator

Gladiator

Year: 1992

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Rowdy Herrington

ActionDramaSport

Caught in a street fight, Tommy Riley is drawn into the dangerous and brutal world of underground boxing. To survive, he must face formidable opponents and confront the harsh realities of a sport where a single mistake can have deadly consequences. He battles not only his rivals but also his own inner demons as he fights to find his place in this unforgiving environment.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Gladiator (1992)

Trace every key event in Gladiator (1992) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Fall of Rome

Sixteen years after Marcus Aurelius’s death, Rome is ruled by corrupt twin emperors, Geta and Caracalla. Their greedy ambitions have led the city into turmoil, and the dream of Rome that Aurelius envisioned seems lost.

200 AD Rome
2

Call to Battle

In Numidia, a young man named Lucius Verus Aurelius, known as Hanno, and his wife Arishat witness smoke and fire from a nearby battle. They join their fellow warriors to fight against the Roman army led by General Acacius.

200 AD Numidia
3

Tragic Loss

During the battle, Acacius spots Arishat fighting bravely and orders her execution. Lucius watches helplessly as she is fatally shot and falls into the ocean, leading to his own unconscious state.

Ocean
4

Enslaved

Surviving the battle barely, Lucius is taken as a slave along with other citizens. Acacius returns to Ostia, where he is rewarded by the twin emperors, planning future conquests.

Ostia
5

The Arena Fight

Lucius is forced into combat with feral baboons in the arena overseen by Macrinus. He kills one of the beasts, which catches Macrinus’s attention, marking the beginning of his rise as a fighter.

200 AD Antium
6

Conspiracy Formed

Acacius and his wife, Lucilla, plot to incite an insurrection against the corrupt emperors. They seek to rally support amongst their allies, planning to use Lucius's growing fame to their advantage.

Rome
7

The Gladiator Games

During the gladiator games in the Colosseum, Lucius faces undefeated champion Glyceo. After a brutal battle, Lucius manages to kill Glyceo, gaining the notice of the emperors and the crowd.

Colosseum, Rome
8

Revelation of Parentage

Lucilla visits Lucius in his cell to reveal his true parentage as the son of Maximus. Angered by memories of his past and the death of Arishat, Lucius refuses to accept her help.

Prison Cell
9

Naval Battle Victory

Lucius leads a naval battle against the enemy ships, achieving victory by ramming their vessel. His attempt to take down Acacius backfires, further infuriating the emperors.

Ocean
10

Betrayal and Death

As plots unravel, Geta orders Acacius to fight in the games as punishment. Despite his success, Acacius faces Lucius and is slain, inciting a crowd outrage as Lucius decries the emperors’ treatment of heroes.

Colosseum, Rome
11

Rise of Chaos

Macrinus manipulates the situation to eliminate Geta, leading to a bloody riot in the Colosseum. Lucius fights to protect his mother, but tragedy strikes as Lucilla is fatally wounded.

Colosseum, Rome
12

Final Duel

Lucius pursues Macrinus for a showdown as the armies face off. After a fierce battle, Lucius finds the strength to overcome Macrinus, slaying him and urging both sides to lay down their arms.

Arena
13

Legacy of Heroes

In the aftermath of the battle, Lucius rises amid the ashes of conflict, echoing his father's legacy and mourning his losses. He kneels in the sands of the arena, reflecting on the cost of his journey.

Night Colosseum, Rome

Last Updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:01

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Gladiator Summary

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Gladiator Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Gladiator

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Gladiator

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