Both Gladiator and its sequel, Gladiator 2focuses on the dream of Rome, raising the question of what exactly this dream entails. The dream of Rome is mentioned for the first time by Marcus Aurelius in the first film, an ideal that is transmitted GladiatorMaximum Tenth Meridius. Maximus’ entire story from this point on depends on two aspects: fulfilling Aurelius of Rome’s dream and avenging the deaths of his wife and son, both of which Maximus apparently achieves by the time of Gladiatoris ending.
Despite Maximus’ efforts, Rome’s dream remains exactly that in Gladiator 2, with the empire still being ruled by two emperors. Gladiator 2The cast of characters is closely tied to Maximus and Marcus Aurelius, meaning the sequel’s ultimate goal is consistent with that of its predecessor: making the legendary dream a reality. In Gladiator 2In the climactic ending, this dream of Rome is somewhat realized, leading many to wonder what it is, how it was realized, and whether it is connected to true Roman history.
The dream of Marcus Aurelius of Rome explained
The dream involves the dissolution of Rome’s imperial rule
The dream of Rome is raised for the first time by Marcus Aurelius in Gladiatorfirst act. One scene involves Maximus and Marcus talking about Rome, as well as the former’s home. Marcus states that he does not want to be seen as a tyrant and questions what the 20 years of war he oversaw were for. This leads Marcus to outline his dream for Rome, to be a democratic republic governed by its people, not by corrupt senators and politicians plotting to come to power. in the heart of the empire.
Marcus Aurelius asks Maximus to become his successor, hoping that a man who has not been corrupted by these policies will guarantee this dream of Rome after his death. Despite Máximo’s sincere denial of this position, he finally begins to fight for Marcus Aurelius’ dream. Shortly afterwards, the elderly character of Gladiator is killed by his son, Commodus, who is the personification of the corruption that the dream was supposed to remove from Rome. This, combined with the death of Maximus’ family at the hands of Commodus, causes the former general to become a gladiator in an attempt to instill Marcus Aurelius’ dream.
Was the dream of Rome real or invented for the film?
As with many aspects Gladiator, the dream of Rome walks the line between the real and the fictitious. Many of GladiatorRidley Scott’s characters are based on real-life figures, but the overall historical accuracy of the world Ridley Scott created is often called into question. Regardless of the exaggerated and dramatized aspects, GladiatorThe story of Marcus Aurelius can still be aligned with real-world Roman politics, including Marcus Aurelius’s dream of Rome, though not without some fictional elements.
The inspiration behind GladiatorThe dream of Rome probably came from the failure of the Roman Republic. The true Roman Republic existed between 509 BC and 27 BCYet it was more of an oligarchy than a democracy, in which a small selection of people with great power chose Rome’s rulers. The Roman Republic was dissolved into the Roman Empire after the death of Julius Caesar and the coronation of Augustus Octavius ​​as the first Roman emperor. Gladiator is set in 180 AD, about 150-160 years after these events.
GladiatorThe dream can be attributed to some historical aspects, since Rome was both a republic and an empire in history…
Although the Roman Empire never returned to its formerly republican ways in real life, Gladiator was inspired by its existence. In GladiatorMarcus Aurelius wants to return Rome to what it was before the empire as an improved version, with its citizens dictating who led them, as opposed to rich and powerful people of influence. As such, GladiatorThe dream can be attributed to some historical aspects, since Rome was both a republic and an empire in history. That said, the idea of ​​Rome actually becoming a republic once again is fictional.
The following section contains spoilers for Gladiator 2.
How Lucius makes Rome’s dream come true in Gladiator 2
The legacy of Máximo and Marco Aurélio sees the dream come true
The fictional idea of ​​Rome dissolving its empire and becoming a republic once again was solidified in the story of Gladiator 2. Gladiator 2 presents Lúcio Vero, grandson of Marco Aurélio and son of Máximo, as the main protagonist. Although the film begins with Lucius using the alias Hanno and hiding from his birthright, the film chronicles his journey to become the successor to Maximus and Marcus Aurelius and take his place as prince of Rome.
After doing this in Gladiator 2In Lucius’ final act, Lucius tells the Roman army, the praetorian guard, and the people of Rome about Marcus Aurelius’ dream. By regaining the power of Gladiator 2With corrupt emperors and scheming politicians like Macrinus, Lucius solidifies his position as leader of Rome. Under his leadership, the empire can now begin to successfully transition into a republic once again, realizing the dream of Rome that Marcus Aurelius held for so long and that persevered throughout Maximus’ lifetime and into Gladiator 2.