Gladiator Book/CD Pack Level 4 - Penguin Readers Simplified Text Author:Dewey Gram Contemporary / American English (Available May 2008) Maximus is a general in the Roman army. After his last battle he wants to return to his family. But the new Emperor Commodus hates Maximus, and kills his family. Soon Maximus is a prisoner, then a slave, and finally a gladiator. When Emperor Commodus joins Maximus in the arena they fight for t... more »heir lives.« less