The action unfolds years after the events of the first part. Commodus’ nephew Lucius renounces his imperial title and runs away from home. His relatives – brothers Caracalla and Geta – seize power. Lucius hides from the Romans in North Africa and fights the imperial army until he is captured by General Marcus Actium.

The young man becomes a gladiator in the Colosseum, like Maximus, his childhood hero. Lucius trains hard and becomes a subordinate of the businessman Macrinus, who trades weapons and resources with the rulers of Rome. Macrinus weaves intrigues to seize power for himself. And Lucius prepares to take revenge on Marcus Actium.