Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator II' Faces Criticism for Historical Inaccuracies

Historians challenge the film's portrayal of ancient Rome, highlighting several factual errors in its narrative and visuals.

Historian Dr. Shadi Bartsch criticized 'Gladiator II' for its depiction of the Colosseum being flooded with water and filled with sharks, noting Romans likely didn't know about sharks.
The film inaccurately portrays Romans reading newspapers in cafes, which did not exist at the time; daily news was carved on stone and publicly displayed.
A scene featuring rhinos in the Colosseum is partially accurate, as historical records mention single-horned rhinos, unlike the two-horned ones shown.
The film's storyline follows Lucius Verus II, played by Paul Mescal, navigating a Rome ruled by tyrannical emperors, with a cast including Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington.
A special on 'The Making of Gladiator II' will air on CBS and Paramount+ on November 18, offering insights into the production and creative process behind the film.