Click here for the full version When dying Emperor Marcus Aurelius chooses beloved and trusted general Maximus to protect Rome after his death instead of his son, Commodus, becoming Emperor, Commodus murders his father. Sentenced to death by Commodus, Maximus escapes only to find that the evil new Emperor has already killed his family. Seeking vengence for the death of his wife and son, Maximus ends up as a gladiator fighting in the Colosseum. When Commodus discovers that the general is alive, he tries to get rid of him. However, the crowd only grows to love Maximus more. In an attempt to escape to his camped army, Maximus is captured and forced to fight Commodus in the arena. Although seriously injured by the treacherous ruler, Maximus emerges victorious. He orders the release of his fellow gladiators and then joins his family in Elysium.