Alright... I watched the Gladiator for a millionth time this time... still don't get something.

[sillymofo]

How did Maximus become a slave again? So he passed out, people can just randomly pick up passed out people and claim them as their slave?

 

[Orsorum]

Don't make me spank you, slave.

 

[EarthwormJim]

Yep, who exactly would stop them.

 

[faenix]

IIRC he was picked up by merchants and was captured for the slave trade.

 

[her209]

The Ceasar can do anything he wants.

 

[xEDIT409]

Given the circumstances, I think the merchant thought of Maxmimus as worthless as he was just pretty much ready to die by his familys side. He seemed dirty and weak (which he was). Maximus could have escaped any time he wanted to from slavery, but he didn't have anywhere to go, or much to live for in his opinion, se he stuck around as a slave.

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: cr4zymofo
How did Maximus become a slave again? So he passed out, people can just randomly pick up passed out people and claim them as their slave?

I remember reading that this was the biggest plot stretch of the movie, but I look at it this way: Former nice farm/manor is now in ruins so slave trader stops by to see what's going on. Finds Maximus and picks him up as a piece of meat for possible sale, if he survives.

Love that movie.