Colosseum's shark-filled scene in Gladiator 2 draws on ancient Roman sea battles

Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" features a dramatic scene where the Colosseum is filled with water and sharks for a mock sea battle. This spectacle is part of the film's action-packed narrative, showcasing gladiators in boats. Historically, the Romans staged similar events called "naumachia," where sea battles were held in flooded arenas. The first recorded naumachia occurred in 46 B.C. under Julius Caesar, and some were staged in the Colosseum. While the film's shark-filled arena is fictional, experts note that the Colosseum could have been flooded for such events before its full basement was constructed. However, there is no evidence that sharks were ever used in these historical battles.