Ancient Roman Society: Another Portrayal of Humanity’s corruption

Is Rome worth one good man’s life? Julius Caesar and Gladiator imply it was not. If even a few people such as Maximus and Brutus that made history by reaching human ideals, could not build a society worth of itself, then how about the thousands of tyrants that have had power in the government? No matter how hard we try and strive to have a perfect government, every time we get the same results: death, disease, injustice, poverty and in-satisfaction. Human government will never be perfect because it was created by men, who only work for their selfish disdain.

Relativism of character is one of the main themes stressed throughout the play Julius Caesar. We can see this because though Julius Caesar was thought ambitious, he actually was an excellent and sympathetic military leader. He managed to establish some advantageous reforms for the people; which made Rome a prosperous, open, and trustworthy place to live. Julius Caesar was not completely good, which is why he was killed, but if he could have become a tyrant we know not. Relativism is also portrayed in another character in Julius Caesar, Brutus. While Brutus seems to be the hero of the day, he made several mistakes such as letting Anthony give a speech during Caesar’s funeral, and later sending his army into battle. More serious issues in Brutus’ character include the assassination of Caesar, his own friend, and his own suicide. Julius Caesar portrays this relativism to express the fact that human kind is not absolutely honest or corrupt.

In contrast, Gladiator presents a more idealistic hero. Even though Maximus went though much suffering, he almost seems not to have internal conflicts, unlike Brutus. In Gladiator there is no relativism, you are either good or bad. Maximus is clearly the light shining in a world of darkness, while Commodus inspires gruesome repulse; reminding us of all the ruthless people that have governed our world since ancient times.

Brutus and Maximus, the story’s heroes, had several things in common. Both were honorable; they inspired loyalty and respect in their subjects and army; a priceless gift. Both had a transparent character and wanted the best for Rome, which they served with all their will. Neither of these two characters strived for nor desired power. Nonetheless, both heroes shared the misfortune of losing their wives; and later they also died. But did the heroes’ will die too? Both stories end with the physical destruction of the hero. But do their values and motifs also get destroyed? They both fought for what they thought was right, but we might also want to question the reasons and arguments that supported their way of thinking.

As we examine the characters from a closer perspective, we can distinguish some significant differences between the two heroes. Brutus, on one hand, proves a more realistic character. Brutus was more easily persuaded into the conspiracy, and even though he sincerely believed that Caesar would become a tyrant, he did not have the slightest evidence to prove it. Blinded by false accusations and thinking that he would change the course of history for good, Brutus betrayed his friend. However, on the long run, Brutus did not accomplish that much. At the end, when he mutters out his last sentence, he certainly expresses regret. He says: “Caesar I kill thee with not half so good a will”, which means that now he wanted to kill himself more than he ever wanted to kill Caesar. Was it because guilt was strangling him from the inside? Though still honorable, Brutus does not seem a good leader or example to follow anymore.

On the other hand, Maximus was not persuaded into the conspiracy but forced into it. When Caesar asked Maximus what he wanted most in the world, he answered “go home.” When Commodus asked to help him he denied him too. He did not want any part in war, which is why he said: “dirt cleans easier than blood”, referring to becoming a farmer and quit being a general. But as he became a slave, and then a gladiator, he was unwillingly forced into the struggle. Once more, he submitted to his principles, he was true to his own feelings, and longed to see a new Rome, free from the tyranny and corruption that had rendered it; his last desire and accomplishment. Obviously, we must also remember that this idyllic character is only found in movies.

Though imperfect heroes, Rome still was privileged to have them.

 Heroes were not very common in ancient times; and they are still rare. 

For this reason we would think that the crowds would respect heroes and honor them more, 

but clearly this was not the case, the crowds were not worthy of them.

 In both stories, senators agreed that manipulating crowds was important for the government of Rome. 

And in gladiator, Gracchus said: “Rome is the mob… conjure magic for them and they will be distracted”, 

 which means that he did not think very highly of it. 

And one time Lucilla also said: “the mob is Rome- once you control them you control everything.”      

     Even though these heroes wanted Rome to be a republic instead of an empire,

 the people were more comfortable being ruled by a tyrant. 

One sign of this was when the crowd wanted to crown Brutus after he gave his speech, 

which is ridiculous, because that was exactly what Brutus was working against: Rome having another Caesar.

 What is the purpose in having a perfect government if the people do not deserve it anyways? 

Clearly the people also have responsibility in this matter.

Both gladiator and Julius Caesar portray this idea of imperfection. Brutus’ character is a little more realistic that Maximus’ character. But even the ideal Maximus was at last a victim of humanity’s cruelty and was never able to see the reform he brought about. Until humans get rid of their selfishness, which obviously they’ll never accomplish by their own means, we will never have a just government. And even when men tried to establish a theocratic rule, thousands of people were killed, like in the crusades. No matter how much you strive for righteousness, you are still bound by your human nature of error and sin. We cannot do it by our own means. Therefore the only time when our thirst for justice will be satisfied will be when Jesus comes down to earth again to rule as everlasting king.