Gladiator tells the story of an accomplished General, Maximus. who is unexpectedly handed the Emperorship of Rome by the outgoing dying emperor - instead of the Emperor's own son, Commodus. Maximus escapes being murdered by Commodus, is found half-dead by some slave-traders who sell him to a gladiator trainer. He is a natural fighter, and finds his way to the Coliseum, where he wows the crowds, culminating in gladiatorial combat with his arch nemesis Commodus, where both men fight to the death.  This documentary reveals that so many of the characters from the movie are based on real-life individuals from history: the dying Emperor; the vicious Commodus; his seductive sister Lucilla. And an archaeological investigation in Rome revealed a perfectly preserved tomb of the man believed to be the inspiration for Maximus himself. Using extensive location filming, forensic science, leading  experts and drama recon, we tell the remarkable real story behind Gladiator.