maximus later survives when he is forced into a match against tigris of gaul, rome's only undefeated gladiator. maximus avoids being killed by tigers released into the arena, which furthers commodus' frustration, as it seems he cannot kill maximus or stop his ascending popularity.
now desperate to have maximus killed, commodus arranges a duel with him in the arena. unknown to the crowd, commodus stabs maximus before they enter the arena.
with his dying words maximus carries out marcus ' commands, calling for the slaves to be freed, and power in rome to be transferred to the senate. lucilla reiterates his wishes, reminding
everyone that he was a soldier of rome and that his memory should be honored.
he lost his beloved wife and cute boy; he lost his authorities, but he won his glories, he won his battles, he won the respect forever, and he won himself.
powerful and loving family bonds provide the strength maximus needs to triumph here -- bonds between himself and his murdered wife and child, himself and the very concept of rome.
in my eyes, maximus is a hero, a real man with strong spirit and responsibility. he worth the honor people give him forever.