How does maximus escape execution

Shortly thereafter, Gracchus's arrested. Lucilla visits Maximus again, and tells him the plot must move forward immediately, because Commodus is starting to figure things out.

She kisses Maximus, before departing. Lucius is playing with a wooden sword, and when Commodus asks him what he's doing he says he's playing gladiator and playing the role of Maximus, the savior of Rome. Commodus, his suspicion aroused, asks him who referred to him Maximus as the savior. He knows what's up. When Lucilla returns, Commodus lets her know that he knows that something fishy is up…and basically threatens to kill those dearest to her if she doesn't tell him what's going on.

Proximo visits Maximus, and lets him out of his cell. He's changed his mind, probably because Maximus told him the truth about who killed Marcus Aurelius. Maximus' gladiator friends assist in his escape, which is hampered by the arrival of Roman praetorians. Proximo's killed by them, and Maximus makes it outside the city walls. He sees Cicero on a horse. He calls out Maximus' name, and is then hung. Maximus rushes to save him…but it's too late.

Cicero is shot with arrows, and Maximus is recaptured. Shortest escape ever. Commodus visits him beneath the Colosseum, and tells him that they'll fight in the arena. Before the battle, Commodus stabs him in the back literally: this guy is a snake and orders Quintus Tomas Arana to cover up the wound.

Maximus and Commodus fight, with Maximus eventually killing him. Maximus, however, succumbs to his wounds. Before he dies, he orders Senator Gracchus reinstated, and expresses Marcus Aurelius' final wish: that Rome be a republic again. Lucilla rushes down, and orders that he be honored as a soldier of Rome. He arrives in the afterlife and greets his wife and son.

It's not the world's happiest ending…but we're willing to bet that you'll be hitting the gym harder for a week or two after viewing it. Parents Home Homeschool College Resources.

Study Guide. Previous Next. Gladiator Summary Germania, A. Score 1: Russell Crowe's scowl. What: were you expecting a happy movie about gladiators? Score 2: Russell Crowe's scowl. Personal branding: also a big deal in Ancient Rome. She tells him everything offscreen. Boo, Lucilla. What's Up With The Ending? Shock Rating. Tired of ads? Escaping an ordered execution, Maximus hurries back to his home in Spain, too late to save his wife and son from the same order. Taken into slavery and trained as a gladiator by Proximo, Maximus lives only that he might someday take his revenge and fulfill the dying wish of his emperor.

The time soon comes when Proximo's troupe is called to Rome to participate in a marathon of gladiator games held at the behest of the new emperor, Commodus.

Once in Rome, Maximus wastes no time in making his presence known, and is soon involved in a plot to overthrow the emperor with his former-love Lucilla, Commodus' sister, after whom he lusts, and also the widowed mother of Lucius, heir to the empire after his uncle, and democratic-minded senator, Gracchus.

A dying Marcus Aurelius plans to name his loyal and brave General Maximus as his successor in order to restore the power of the Roman Senate. However, his power-hungry, jealous son Commodus learns of the plan, murders Marcus Aurelius, and plans to execute Maximus in order to secure his claim to the throne.

Maximus escapes execution, but is sold into slavery and is forced to become a gladiator. Eventually, Maximus and his fellow gladiators are sent to Rome to perform for Commodus. Through his bravery he wins over the masses and reveals his true identity, much to the chagrin of Commodus. Can Maximus use his newfound popularity to avenge Marcus Aurelius' death, or will Commodus be able to keep the throne?

Sign In. Edit Gladiator Jump to: Summaries 6 Synopsis 1. He was betrayed by Quintus, and was sent to be executed in the woods. He escaped by killing the executioner and three other men, only to find that Commodus had ordered his wife and son to be brutally murdered. His arrival at his farm was gruesome; he found his family crucified. He buried his wife and son before falling unconscious from exhaustion by their grave side.

He later avenged his family in the Colosseum of Rome by killing Commodus during the days of games. Maximus was captured by a band of drifting thieves while asleep. He made acquaintance with Juba, a hunter who was also taken to be sold as a slave.

After crossing the desert, Maximus and Juba were taken to a market; where he was sold to Proximo, an old gladiator. Maximus refused to practice fighting and removed the legion's mark from his shoulder while in captivity. Maximus took on the name "Spaniard" and displayed his strength against several Gladiators in many games and arenas.

Maximus continued to do so until Proximo offered him to go to Rome to fight in the Colosseum. Maximus fought with Juba, Hagen and several other gladiators as "Barbarians" of Carthage in the first game in the arena. Following "The Spaniard's" command, the gladiators were successful. Commodus came down from his seat, demanding to know the "Spaniard's" name.

Maximus removed his helmet and revealed his true identity. Commodus stood in shock, after believing Maximus was dead, and let the Gladiators live after the crowd began to cheer Maximus' name.