Why did he always pick up the dirt before every fight?

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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Gladiator

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siltom1962 — 9 years ago(April 26, 2016 01:09 AM)

Theories?

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leur-thomas — 9 years ago(April 29, 2016 05:38 PM)

This is because he is a farmer. The sand and dirt define him. They make him who he is. The land gives him trust and strength.

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halomaniac88 — 9 years ago(May 16, 2016 07:39 AM)

Some people just don't get symbolism.

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member-id — 9 years ago(May 02, 2016 12:27 AM)

Better grip.

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irishaspaddyspig — 9 years ago(May 16, 2016 11:07 AM)

Both
"a malcontent who knows how to spell"

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geearf — 9 years ago(July 09, 2016 04:32 AM)

He uses it like lifters use chalk, for grip.
It might also have become a ritual pre-fighting.

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mrpacker — 9 years ago(October 01, 2016 11:48 PM)

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/rookie-darrell-ceciliani-delivers-for-mets-1.10551010

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Balboasaurus — 9 years ago(November 11, 2016 10:42 AM)

Shadows and dust. As a soldier and a gladiator, he was that close to death every time he picked up his sword. Also, better grip.
You'll Never Walk Alone

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NutMustardx — 9 years ago(December 01, 2016 03:18 PM)

its for grip on the sword, he doesn't want it to slip out from sweaty palms, just like rock climbers using chalk for grip. same thing

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residentevil6901 — 9 years ago(December 03, 2016 11:36 AM)

Same reason baseball players do it.

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Toadman005 — 9 years ago(January 04, 2017 07:10 AM)

To bewilder viewers so they question it on imdb.
Say, do you hear that? It's the sound of the Reaper..

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theisrosenberg — 9 years ago(January 07, 2017 06:00 AM)

There are no "theories" on this.
It removes current & prevents sweat to come in your hand palms.
Today,
powdered magnesium
is used by weightlifters & such. (Not many ancient, melee weapon fights going on nowadays.)
There may be a secondary ritual; "The battle starts now." Anyhow, that is "secondary." The dust & dirt/gravel serves a very practical purpose.