Maximus' Spanish heritage meshes interestingly with his choice of arms. As a General riding with the cavalry of the Felix Legion, (in the opening battle) he wields a sword known as a "Spatha", popular among the continental tribes, especially in Spain and southern Gaul. As a Gladiator, he uses a sword similar to the spatha in appearance, but shorter and broader. This weapon is known as the "Gladius Hispaniensis", and was adopted by the Roman infantry after Scipio's invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in the second century B.C., after the end of the second Punic War. Roman infantry wore the gladius on the right side. This, facilitated by the short blade length, allowed the legionary to draw his weapon on the same side as his sword arm. Cross-drawing would be hindered by the scutum (the large rectangular shield) while in formation.

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