Sword

Swords are presented everywhere in the film. From the first moments, we see swords being used in the fight against the Germanians. Maximus discusses with a friend how these strange people refuse to give up even though they are already beaten and then he grabs his sword and leads the army into battle once again.

Swords in many ways symbolize power. Whoever has the sword seems to be most powerful. At the beginning of the film, Maximus is the most powerful man as he has the sword and is the Emperor's favorite general. On the other hand, he becomes a slave and must use the sword when he performs as a gladiator. Although he doesn't have power over many people in these scenes, he does have power over those he fights because of his skills.

In the end, Maximus holds his sword longer than Commodus. When Commodus dies...