By Roger Helle, Patriot Post - In the opening scene of the movie “Gladiator” with actor Russell Crowe, the Romans are lined up for battle against the barbarian hordes. As General Maximus Decimus Meridius (Crowe) walks among the officers, they all salute by hitting their fist on their chests and saying, “Strength and honor!” It was the greeting of battle-tested Roman warriors. They conquered the known world in their day.