Eheu - the very nature of history is that it evolves, and we find new ways to communicate it. The mention of Crowe immediately puts this story into context for younger generations, and gives some cultural info - where's the harm in that? Or should we all still be sat in caves looking at the walls?

Gemma, Burton-on-Trent,

Rajiv, I have a Classical education (up to degree) and can assure you that there is much more to Roman society than violence. There is much beauty to appreciate, and much that we can be grateful to the Romans for. By all means prefer Eastern civilisations, but do not write off others so absolutely.

GDM, Dublin, Ireland

Austia Antica was the port of ancient Rome and is a five Euro train ride away

In its heyday 100,000 people lived there, and the town is substantially intact. Baths, temples, theatres, villas, shops and apartments are all still there.

An absolutely amazing place.

Jim Laflin, b,

Rajiv, Nuneaton - get over it! This is interesting history, whether barbaric or not. If we forget the past, there is no future...

Piers Edwards, Oxford, UK

Ciao

We can all learn from the culture of gladiators, that are part of the ancient Roman wonders, and use the knowledge to help us deal with the personal and professional challenges all over the world.

D. F. Giancola, London, England, United Kingdom

Charles, perhaps if you have genuine interest in Roman history then perhaps read up on the subject instead of learning everything you know from documentaries and the "Rome" drama on Discovery.

Ceaser, Salad, Rome

What we do in nightlife echoes in paternity.
People seemed to have missed out that Emperor Commodus also fought in the gladitorial arena.

Jeremy S, Brussels, Belgium

Interesting. However, other than them both being generals under Marcus Aurelius, the character in the movie and the historical figure aren't really that similar.

Jerad Howell, Columbia, SC, USA

So Marcus Nonius Macrinus never was a gladiator? He was a general and consul. Is that correct?

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

What we do in life echoes in eternity!Strength and Honour!

patrick, Singapore, Singapore

This, compared to yet another data loss blunder, is news.

David Sumpton, exeter, UK

Great story! I love history and Rome in particular. I do believe however that another location, not the Coloseum, was flooded for the naval battles. Far too many trap doors and holes in the wooden floor for that.

Chuck, Pacifc Palisades, USA

Barbaric people celebrating violence. Of what use is any so called classic education that places a premium on violence. I have more respect for a civilization that builds on the inner character of man-ancient vedic /chinese civilizations have more to offer in these troubled times.

Rajiv, Nuneaton, England

Actually, it is possible the Flavian Amphitheatre may have been flooded. It was built on the drained lake of Nero's palace, and the drainage tunnels were only filled in later under Domitian, Vespasian's son, when building the level beneath the arena floor. Martial also described such events there.

MichaelM , Savannah, USA

Actually, Joe of Ilkley, The Colosseum was indeed flooded- the Romans were superb engineers! They have found how the main aqueducts of Rome were used to fill the arena, how the removable floor worked, and how the water was drained away afterwards.

Fredius, Oxford, UK

Whether the Colosseum was ever flooded or not is debatable but the fact remains that it was certainly capable of being flooded. One of the reasons that makes it such an architectural wonder.

Oliver, Beijing, China

Cassius Dio, chronicler of ancient Rome, said: "Titus suddenly filled this same theatre with water and brought in horses and bulls and other domesticated animals that had been taught to behave in the liquid element just as on land. He also brought in people on ships, who engaged in a sea-fight".

basil, melbourne, australia

The Colosseum was never flooded and did not see re-enactments of sea battles. The Romans, who did enjoy a bit of theatre, had lakes to do this on. Sorry for spoiling the fun. Just happens to be true...

Joe, Ilkley,

What a tragedy it is that education, which, until after WW 2 encompassed a civilised knowledge of classical history and classical literature, has been so dumbed down that this person will never again be mentioned without reference to Russel Crowe, whose career represents the triumph of dumbing down.

Eheu, eheu fugaces, Melbourne, Australia

Kudos to the Times for this story. Too many of our U.S. papers skip over stories like this.

Dennis, Canon City, Colorado

Speaking, just for me I find news stories like these absolutely absorbing. This has links to the present (?) Hadrian exhibition in London.

Geoffrey, Sydney,

I also found this story to be fascinating. I took my wife and son to Rome the summer of 2007. It was a fantastic trip. Gladiator is of our favorite movies, even if it is fictional.

Kent H, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

This is a very thrilling story! It is so worth while for all achaeological digs around the world. It tells us who we are. Betty Taylor

Betty Taylor , Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA

Personally immersed in Roman history, find a lot on TV today. I knew immediately in the movie that the general did not, historically,have to escape but found story fasinating. Knew Commodus was strangled,but he deliberately participated in the games and received his dues. Thanks for this story.

Charles S. Farriss, Gaffney, S.C. , USA