Russell Crowe "Maximus" prop axe from Gladiator. (Universal, 2000) Large ornate axe, constructed of rubber, with ribbed and studded handle used by Russell Crowe as "Maximus" in the film Gladiator. This axe is the highly visible weapon used in the climactic Coliseum scene in which "Maximus" defies "Commodus'" vote to kill "Tigris of Gaul". A finely crafted prop weapon from the film. The axe is housed in a large shadowbox display together with a plaque and black & white photograph of Russell Crowe as "Maximus" holding it.