1. Gladiator: Fact vs Fiction

2. Gladiator Assignment
The film Gladiator is a work of fiction and while many aspects of the story have been invented by the filmmakers, it still features real historical figures and depicts some events quite accurately, particularly gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome.
For this assignment you must:
Summarize the key plot points of the film
Describe each of the main characters (Maximus, Marcus Aurelius, Commodus) as they are depicted in the film
Comment on what you think was depicted historically accurately with these characters and what was likely exaggerated or made up
Comment on what you have discovered, believe to be true about characters\events in the film
Carefully source all information!

3. Useful Sources Internet Movie Database – Gladiator (2000)
Roman Emperor’s Database – Commodus
Roman Emperor’s Database – Marcus Aurelius
David Neelin – Gladiator: The Real Story
Wikipedia – Commodus
Wikipedia – Marcus Aurelius

4. Rubric One – Two Points Three Points Four Points Five Points
Organization and Summary
No paragraphs, poor use of sentences, hard to follow summary.
Written in paragraphs, topic sentences not always apparent, meaning still decipherable. Summary is basic
Mostly well paragraphed. Some confusion or room for improvement, but does not detract from overall message. Summary is effective
Well organized paragraphs. Topic sentences are clear and well supported by ideas. Solid intro and conclusion. Summary is clear and concise.
Ideas
Fails to discuss fact vs. fiction around characters or events.
Comments on one character regarding fact/fiction. Comments on an event
Comments on two characters regarding fact/fiction
Comments on all three characters regarding fact/fiction
Support
No references quotes
At least one claim is supported with a quote from the text
Some claims are supported with references, quote
All claims are supported with references and quotes to source material
Works Cited
No sources, bad format
Two or less sources, problems with format
At least three sources used, MLA format correct
Five or more sources used, referenced proper MLA format
Spelling/Grammar
Brutal
Several errors
A few, minimal errors
No errors
Rubric