Sverd og sandaler i Hollywood: En arkeologisk studie av gladiatorkamper som fremstilt i filmene Spartacus og Gladiator

Abstract

Since the beginning of Hollywood-history, roman antiquity has been a popular subject, inspiring its own genre: “Swords and Sandals”. This paper will examine the representation of gladiatorial combat in the movies Spartacus (1960) and Gladiator (2000) and discuss whether it is portrayed with archeological and historical authenticity. A thorough review of archaeological records and ancient roman texts focusing on the different gladiatorial classes and their weapons and equipment, the various locations the fights were taking place, and organization of the battles, will give the framework for further discussions and analysis. Finally, using modern reception theories this paper will try to explain why potential errors and discrepancies are present in the movies, and discuss whether is due to a political or ideological agenda or simply because of poor research during the production of the movies.