Set in ancient Rome, the story follows Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a powerful Roman general who is betrayed by the corrupt prince Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) after the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Stripped of his rank and sold into slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator and rises through the ranks of the arena, seeking vengeance for the murder of his family and the betrayal that destroyed his life.