I want you to become the protector of Rome after I die. I will empower you to one end alone; to give power back to the people of Rome and end the corruption it has crippled. Would you accept this great honor that I have offered?

More from Gladiator

• Am I not merciful?
• A General who became a slave, a slave who became a Gladiator, a Gladiator who defied an empire.
• It's somewhere out there; my country, my home. My wife is preparing food. My daughter is carrying water from the river. Will I ever see them again? I think no.
• Today I saw a slave become more powerful then the Emperor of Rome.
• At my signal, unleash hell.
• I knew a man who once said, 'Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back.'