Verus, the leading character in this documentary, was a slave who won his freedom ultimately after combating as a gladiator. He first contrived to escape the relentless grind of slave labor in a stone quarry, and became a trainee gladiator. Verus worked hard to sharpen his fighting skills. Meanwhile, he forged friendship with another trainee gladiator Priscus. The two men were both strong enough to defeat other gladiators before they met for the final fight. "The battle was equal on each side" and emperor Titus finally decided that both men were victors of the combat, and were awarded their freedom.
Their feat was recorded in a laudatory poem by Martial — the only detailed description of a gladiatorial fight that has survived to the present day.
Martial, Liber de Spectaculis, XXIX:
As Priscus and Verus each lengthened the contest,
And for a long time the battle was equal on each side,
Repeatedly loud shouts petitioned for the men to be released;
But Caesar followed his own law; —
It was the law to fight without shield until a finger was raised: —
He did what was allowed, often gave dishes and gifts.
But an end was found to the equal division:
Equals to fight, equals to yield.
Caesar sent wooden swords to both and palms to both:
Thus skillful courage received its prize.
This took place under no prince except you, Caesar:
When two fought, both were the victor.
An intimate relationship between Verus and Priscus was hinted from time to time in this documentary. They were not gays but their relations were far beyond that of normal friends. They had to choose, in their final fight, between love and life, which made this particular one among so many documentaries on ancient Rome stand out. How I wish I were emperor Titus, so that I could have them both:) And both actors were brilliant. I adore their bodies...
