Look at ancient Rome through the lens of modern Hollywood as an award-winning professor uncovers the historical truths behind the theatrical portrayal of "Gladiator."
A Historian Goes to the Movies: Gladiator Fact vs. Fiction
Historic movies can be surprisingly accurate ... and often shockingly wrong. When looking at these factors in the film "Gladiator," you will be entertained.
Overview
About
Gregory S. Aldrete is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. He earned his PhD in Ancient History from the University of Michigan. He has been honored with numerous awards for his research and teaching and has received five fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities. He is also a prolific scholar whose books include Gestures and Acclamations in Ancient Rome, Daily Life in the Roman City, and The Long Shadow of Antiquity: What Have the Greeks and Romans Done for Us?
01: A Historian Goes to the Movies: Gladiator Fact vs. Fiction
About the cinematic blockbuster Gladiator, director Ridley Scott noted, “I felt the priority was to stay true to the spirit of the period, but not necessarily to adhere to facts. We were, after all, creating fiction, not practicing archaeology.” This is your chance plunge into the facts as Professor Gregory S. Aldrete from the University of Wisconsin introduces you to the real-life characters, societies, and gladiator games of ancient Rome. You may be surprised to discover they are just as dramatic as the film.
42 min
