GLADIATOR II promises to recapture the magic but stumbles with plot holes, CGI overload, and historical blunders! I dissect the narrative fumbles, the unearned character arcs, and the jarring anachronisms that leave you more disappointed than entertained. From battle scenes that feel like a video game to the nostalgia that can't save this sequel, discover why Gladiator II might just be one of the most disappointing films of the year.

Caracalla thought himself a reincarnated Alexander the Great. In reality, he was a tyrant and a mass murderer. After some actors in Alexandria mocked Caracalla's rumored role in his brother's death, Caracalla butchered thousands of people in the city. The emperor then launched a failed campaign against Parthia. The only reason government continued to function was due to Caracalla's dutiful and wise mother, Julia Domna. By AD 217, her son Caracalla would be killed under the orders of his own Praetorian Prefect.

Caracalla rewarded his soldiers, and scored all other men--as his father Septimius Severus advised him. He stole property, murdered elites, put in new inheritance taxes and debased the Roman coinage. The temporary windfall allowed him to pass out a huge salary increase to his soldiers, but the long term effects of these policies would be greater economic pain in the future. Caracalla then stunned the Empire by unilaterally declaring universal citizenship to all free inhabitants of the Roman provinces.

Septimius Severus, aiming for stability, made his sons Caracalla and Geta (of Gladiator II fame) co-emperors, which only fueled their rivalry. His last years were then spent campaigning in Britain, where harsh conditions and guerrilla warfare halted Roman advances. Then in AD 211, in the city of Eboracum (modern York, England), Septimius died. With his father out of the way, Septimius' older son Caracalla murdered his younger brother Geta, initiating a purge and condemning Geta's memory--setting a violet precedent for the years that followed.

Perpetua, a Christian martyr in the early 3rd century AD Roman Empire, left behind a rare firsthand account that provides profound insights into the personal experiences of early Christian martyrdom. Her diary, which details her imprisonment and thoughts up to her execution, offers a unique perspective on the spiritual strength, societal defiance, and the internal conflict faced by individuals living under Roman rule. Her story highlights the dynamics of religion, gender, and power, showcasing the depth of commitment required by early Christians facing persecution.

How did early Christian apologists defend their faith against Roman skepticism and hostility? These were no ordinary defenders; they included philosophers like Justin Martyr and Tertullian, who used Roman law and logic to argue for Christianity's legitimacy. From debunking the worship of Roman gods as illogical and immoral, to explaining Christian rituals like baptism and the Lord's Supper, these educated Christians presented compelling arguments to emperors and magistrates. They tackled accusations of atheism, sedition, and immorality, proving that Christianity was not a novel superstition but a fulfillment of ancient prophecies, deeply rooted in what was then known as Hebrew scriptures.

On this episode, we examine the religious logic prevalent in the Roman Empire. It may be surprising to learn that belief was far less important to Romans than practice. Christianity turned the order of Roman religion on its head. As a result, Christians were accused of atheism, sedition, immorality, superstition and religious novelty.

How did early Christians negotiate their identity in a polytheistic society? Cultural norms around pluralism, sex and military service presented serious challenges to Christians. Many self-identified Christians sough to merge mainstream culture with their faith.

Christianity adapted, spread, and solidified its identity in the second century AD. What was everyday life like for those who called themselves Christians in this pivotal ancient age? How strict was membership in the early church? To what extent were soldiers permitted?

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Septimius Severus entered Rome in AD 197 as undisputed emperor, following several years of bloody civil war. He stationed a full legion near Rome to ensure that no one could do what he had done: conquer his own empire. Septimius was a friend to his soldiers, debasing his own currency to increase soldier soldiers pay. He then turned back to what he knew best: conquest--launching a campaign against the Parthian Empire in Persia.