Ol Jock 99
Legionary
posted 28 April 2005 09:00
EDT (US)
3 / 32
I thought it was because he was sold into slavery to Spain and hence came to Rome as a Spanish Gladiator. Disclaimer—haven’t seen the movie in a long time.
Duan Xuan
Legionary
posted 28 April 2005 10:15
EDT (US)
5 / 32
I've watched the film three times and I have the book as well. Maximus was a Roman general, but he came from the Iberian peninsula. In the film you see him rushing back to his hometown, only to find his family brutally murdered. There, he was picked up by slave traders and sold to a gladiator performance troupe, where the real show about his struggle starts.
Panzerleader
Legionary
posted 28 April 2005 11:12
EDT (US)
8 / 32
Maximus was Roman: His ancestors were obviously Romans that had moved to Spain during or after the Roman conquest. That makes him geographically not ethnically Spanish, but a Spainard none the less.
Legion_of_Maida
Legionary
posted 29 April 2005 04:24
EDT (US)
19 / 32
Keeping in mind pretty much every province taken by Rome was considered Roman I doubt it matters if the generals truly came from the City itself. Heck they had a Emperior come and go from Spain.