WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Gladiator II.
The gladiator doctor named Ravi in Gladiator II It is based on some historical figures and real-life knowledge. After the long-awaited release of Gladiator II on November 22, 2024, the epic blockbuster sequel received mostly positive reviews and a Fresh Rotten Tomatoes certified critic score of 71%. Paul Mescal leads the cast of Gladiator II alongside Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen, who reprises her role as Lucilla, the mother of Lucius de Mescal. Gladiator II the box office grossed an impressive $55 million in its opening weekend, setting it up to become one of Ridley Scott’s highest-grossing films.
One of the most important supporting characters in Gladiator II It’s the gladiator doctor, Ravi. Portrayed by Alexander Karim (The dog, The Wheel of Time), Ravi meets Lucius after the gladiator enters Rome to fight in the Colosseum. As one of the most enthusiastic gladiators in all of Rome, Lucious suffers some serious injuries after defying the odds time and time again. Because of how often he is injured during battles but comes out alive, Lucius becomes good friends with Ravi, who stitches him up and tends to several other injuries. Lucius maintains this throughout the film.
There were doctors and doctors for gladiators in Ancient Rome
Ravi is based on a real role, but not a particular person
Gladiator doctors like Ravi in Gladiator II were not uncommon in Ancient Rome. Claudius Galen is probably the most famous example of an ancient physician who provided medical assistance to gladiators during his lifetime. Galen was a physician and philosopher who became the definitive voice of modern medicine and one of the greatest medical influences of the Roman Empire. According to BBCGalen “He studied in Greece, Alexandria, and other parts of Asia Minor and returned home to become chief physician at the gladiatorial school in Pergamum, gaining much experience in treating wounds..” Galen’s prominence probably inspired and educated other gladiatorial doctors.
Although Ravi is a fictional character in Gladiator II and is not based on Galen, any gladiator doctor in particular, his role is faithful to the history of the Roman Empire. Galen was not a former gladiator like Ravi and was a member of high society who acquired his education classically. Ravi, on the other hand, was a gladiator who apparently bought his freedom by making himself useful as a self-taught doctor. Lúcio observes Gladiator II that Ravi has a heavy hand when he stitches up a wound on his arm. Ravi informs him that he was once in the same position as Lúcuio and left the arena.
Could a former gladiator become a doctor?
Gladiators can buy their freedom, so it’s not impossible
Ravi’s unusual path from gladiator to doctor was invented for the film. The fact that he was a former gladiator was an effective narrative device that helped his character connect with Lucius in a way that only they and other gladiators could truly understand. Lucius had no respect for Rome and wanted to see it fall apart. Any high society doctor like Galen would likely have been rejected by the resilient but stubborn Lucius.This is probably why screenwriter David Scarpa chose to create a common point between Ravi and Lucius.
Although Galen’s representation in Gladiator II It would have been interesting, it wouldn’t have fit as well as Ravi into the story. If Galen had been included in Gladiator II, his proceedings would have been restricted to historical accuracy and would have overcrowded the film with an additional subplot that would probably fascinate only ancient history fans. Most, if not all, gladiatorial doctors worked under Galen’s practice. Glaen had a team of doctors who cared for the gladiators, as their owners were concerned about their health and vitality for the sake of profit (via NIH). Although Ravi is valuable and experienced, Lucius would probably have been treated by the most sophisticated doctor in Rome, in reality.
Are Ravi’s treatments accurate?
Roman doctors often used opium as a painkiller
Ravi’s treatments are quite limited in Gladiator IIharshly stitching Lucius’ wounds with a large hooked needle and using a substance known as devil’s breath as a painkiller. Ravi also gives Lucius opium, which is appropriate to the treatment of gladiators during the Roman Empire. Opium was the Romans’ favorite medicine, as were poppy seeds to help with sleep and pain relief.. Devil’s breath is commonly known as scopolamine, which is derived from a plant and is used to treat nausea and other ailments. Galen employed many other types of experimental medicines, some of which used oil and wine, and laid the foundation for the medical practices that Ravi uses in Gladiator II.
Sources: BBC, NIH