<P> Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson . It stars Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed (in his final role), Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, and Richard Harris . Crowe portrays Hispano - Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed when Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, murders his father and seizes the throne . Reduced to slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murders of his family and his emperor . </P> <P> The film was released in the United States on May 5, 2000 . The film received favorable reviews from critics and grossed $457 million worldwide, making it the second highest - grossing film of 2000 . The film won multiple awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Crowe and three other Oscars at the 73rd Academy Awards . It has also been credited with rekindling interest in entertainment centered around ancient Greek and Roman culture, such as the TV series Rome . </P> <P> In AD 180, Hispano - Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius intends to return to his home after he leads the Roman army to victory against the Germanic tribes near Vindobona on the Limes Germanicus . Emperor Marcus Aurelius tells Maximus that his own son, Commodus, is unfit to rule and that he wishes Maximus to succeed him, as regent, to help save Rome from corruption . Commodus murders his father when he is told about the plan . </P> <P> Commodus announces he is the new Emperor and asks Maximus for his loyalty, but the general refuses . Maximus is arrested by guards and is told that he and his family will die . He kills his captors and rides for his home near Trujillo, where he finds his family murdered . Maximus buries his wife and son; then collapses . He is found by slavers who take him to the Roman province of Zucchabar, where he is sold to a gladiator trainer named Proximo . </P>

Who is maximus fighting in the beginning of gladiator