The Roman Empire was a primarily polytheistic civilization, which meant that people recognized and worshiped multiple gods and goddesses. Despite the presence of monotheistic religions within the empire, such as Judaism and early Christianity, Romans honored multiple deities.

As legend has it, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars, the god of war.

Romulus

Aeneas was said to be the founder of the Roman race (the mixed offspring of the native Italians and the Trojans). The city founded by his son was not Rome but Alba Longa (a nearby settlement that did have strong connections with early Rome), and it was there that Romulus and Remus were born many generations later.

Pater patriae, (Latin: “father of the Fatherland”) in ancient Rome, a title originally accorded (in the form parens urbis Romanae, or “parent of the Roman city”) to Romulus, Rome’s legendary founder. It was next accorded to Marcus Furius Camillus, who led the city’s recovery after its capture by the Gauls (c. 390 bc).

emperor Tiberius

5 of Rome’s Greatest Emperors

• Augustus. A statue of Emperor Augustus from the villa of his widow at Prima Porta.
• Trajan 98 – 117 AD. Trajan left the largest Empire in Rome’s history.
• Hadrian 117 – 138 AD.
• Marcus Aurelius 161 – 180 AD.
• Aurelian 270 – 275 AD.

Augustus

Marcus Antonius Gordianus

According to modern historians, if Aurelian had never ascended the imperial throne, the Roman Empire would never have been able to reunite or defend itself against Barbarian invasions. Their efforts made the western part of the empire survive for 200 more years and the eastern part for another 1000 years.

Five Good Emperors, the ancient Roman imperial succession of Nerva (reigned 96–98 ce), Trajan (98–117), Hadrian (117–138), Antoninus Pius (138–161), and Marcus Aurelius (161–180), who presided over the most majestic days of the Roman Empire.

The film is loosely based on real events that occurred within the Roman Empire in the latter half of the 2nd century AD. As Ridley Scott wanted to portray Roman culture more accurately than in any previous film, he hired several historians as advisors.

actor Oliver Reed

Maximus (so the storyline goes) was from the Iberian province of Tarraconensis, hence he was called “the Spaniard” by his gladiatoral fans.

Commodus

Maximus had been labelled a traitor to the empire: now led by Commodus, after the death of Marcus Aurelius. Maximus had been tasked by Marcus Aurelius to reform the Roman state as a republic, handing rule over to the people; this removed Commodus’ birthright, hence his slating Maximus for execution.

In the movie “Gladiator” (2000), Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe, has a ritual before each battle. Multiple times before fighting, he kneels down, rubs dirt in between his hands, and smells it. This is because when he isn’t soldiering, he’s a farmer.

the Colosseum

Yes. ‘Strength and honour’ was definitely said by the Roman soldiers as it was one of their war-cries (Please see my answer about Roman war-cries for the reference).

They call him The Spaniard because as far as they are aware, he was captured by slave traders in Spain (after his family is killed).

Originally Answered: Why did Maximus scratch out his Roman army tattoo? Probably one or both of the following: He doesn’t want other gladiators (who were often criminals or enemies of the Empire) to know he is ex army, since they may pick on or ostracize him.

Nerva’s reign began the Nervan-Antonine Dynasty, which included what history calls the Five Good Emperors. In order of their reign, they were Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. First, the Five Good Emperors brought relative peace, stability, and prosperity to Rome.

1. GENGHIS KHAN.
2. ALEXANDER THE GREAT.
3. TAMERLANE.
4. ATILLA THE HUN.
5. CHARLEMAGNE.
6. PHARAOH THUTMOSE III OF EGYPT.
7. ASHOKA THE GREAT.
8. CYRUS THE GREAT.

Unlike later Medieval and modern practice, Roman emperors did not like to leave the imperial authority in the hands of a small child. Therefore, it was very common to leave the imperial authority to an adopted son or sometimes a step son.