20 Things You Didn’t Know About Gladiator

Eagle eyes may have noticed that after becoming a gladiator, Maximus’ breastplate begins to develop bling.

It starts off with representations of two gryphons around the abdominal region, typically representing strength and bravery - the gryphon, or griffin, is today famous in heraldry for being the king of all beasts. For every victory in the arena, Maximus adds a new bas relief in silver.

First, a sprouting tree trunk that then blossoms into a poplar tree, the same trees that lined the avenue leading to his desecrated home - then two rearing horses, Argento and Scatto, the horses that were taken from him (as he tells Lucius Verus in their conversation midway through the movie).

Next, under the horse on the right breast, two figures, one large, one small: representations of the general's murdered wife and child. Finally, on the opposite breast, winged Victoria, the image of the Roman goddess worshipped by triumphant generals returning home from war.

As Maximus gets closer to achieving revenge (and closer to being, in his mind, reunited with his wife and child, because Maximus doesn't ever expect to survive his vengeance) his trophies are displayed on his armour. They're icons of the beloved things he's lost - home, horses, family and reputation - that he intends to avenge.

As an aside, the names of those two horses are Hollywood in-jokes. Argento is Latin for 'silver', and Scatto for 'latch': literally, Silver and Trigger, the names of the horses belonging to the Lone Ranger and legendary movie cowboy Roy Rogers, respectively.