Setting - Te TAKIWAA

Bloody, dirty, death everywhere. This was the home for Maximus at the story's opening. The battlefield was where he was in total control, and brought great victories for Rome. He was a reluctant leader, good at what he did, but felt sympathy for his wounded men. He believed in Marcus Aurelius' vision, a peace that was built from Romes victories and would last. This setting highlights Maximus' qualities of leadership, honour, and humility.

Commodus however did not fit in here. He contrasted badly with the grim reality of what built Rome's power. His luxurious transport, clean fine clothes, and pompous attitude showed that he did not understand the nature and importance of Rome's wars.

The Elysium Fields is the Roman version of Heaven. The Romans believed that they would go there if they led a virtuous life, and that it would be the honour bestowed upon its warriors.

This served as an important symbol for Maximus, because it was where he believed his family were in the afterlife. Because of this, he did not fear death. With his death at the end of the film, it was a reward for Maximus because it meant that he would be reunited with his family.

This is an important location for Maximus. The arena was where Maximus found a part of his old self, where the warrior within him refused to die. It was also the start his journey to fame as 'The Spaniard', a title that he would build upon when he got to Rome and the Colosseum.

Importantly, the arena in north Africa is a symbol of Maximus' disillusionment with life. It was a backwater, 'nowhere' place that had little meaning in the big picture of Rome. Maximus knew this because he had served in the highest ranks of Roman society, and knew the role of gladiators in society as mere entertainment.

The Senate is the place where discussions were held between the ruling class of Rome. The emperor was in total control, but needed to hear from the Senate because they represented the people of Rome, and needed to be seen as listening to the people.

Marcus Aurelius knew that the Senate would be best to rule Rome, as they were more closely connected to the people who would benefit the most from a successful and stable empire that was built from war. This was his wish that he communicated to Maximus before he was murdered by Commodus.

Commodus, as emperor, returned to Rome with no intention to give power to the Senate because he wanted total control and the power that his status had. He defiled the senate with his contempt and ignorance of the Senates role in Roman society. The Senators are all shown wearing white robes, with calm and civil demeanor. Commodus contrasts this by wearing armour and carrying a sword. This shows his mindset of seeing the Senate as a place where he would face 'battle', and he came dressed for violence. This shows his hostility and contempt toward the Senate.

Though this is another arena, it holds a different role in the story. The Colosseum was the largest arena in the empire, and was a magnificent symbol of roman engineering. More importantly, it was where the people of Rome went for entertainment, where all Romans we equal participants in watching this blood sport. The 'mob' was what the rulers of Rome called the common people, and they knew that they needed their support to rule effectively. And the Colosseum was the place where they gathered and could be entertained to win their support. The Colosseum is a symbol of the people of Rome.

The conflict between Maximus and Commodus is played out here - from when Maximus reveals himself to Commodus, to when he defies Commodus' order to kill the returning champion Titus of Gaul, to the ultimate battle between the two. Maximus draws Commodus into a spectacle before the people, who keep Maximus safe because if Commodus killed him, they people would rebel against the emperor. Ultimately, Commodus, the most powerful man in Rome, is forced to deal with Maximus in personal combat, because that is the only way to get rid of him without losing the people and the rule they 'allow'. Commodus is ultimately the victim of the people, because his hate for Maximus, and Maximus' victory was due to the need to provide for the people.