A power struggle ensues as Emperor Marcus Aurelius, before his death, chooses Maximus the powerful Roman general, who is also loved by the people, to be his heir over his own son, Commodus. Maximus’ family is murdered and he is captured and put into the Gladiator games until he dies. The only desire that now keeps him alive is to rise to the top so that he can look into the eyes of the man who destroyed his family and seek revenge.