Who is Maximus Decimus Meridius?

Gladiator revolves entirely around the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, raising questions about his history, character arc, and overall impact on the franchise. At the time of GladiatorWith its emotional ending, the film satisfactorily resolves the many elements introduced in the story. The film takes place in 180 AD, amid the end of the Marcomannic Wars, verses Gladiator with some historical accuracy, as Emperor Marcus Aurelius seeks to usher in his replacement now that the Roman Empire has a semblance of peace.

The importance of Marcus Aurelius to history proves that some of the GladiatorThe characters are based on real life, including the film's central protagonist. The protagonist of the story is Maximus Decimus Meridius, who becomes so important that he even appears in the story of Gladiator 2. General, Gladiator is widely considered one of the best films of all time due to its gripping story, action-packed spectacle, and fascinating characters, with Maximus being the fulcrum of every aspect. No Maximum Tenth Meridius, Gladiator it probably wouldn't have worked, making the full exploration of his character all the more urgent.

Russell Crowe played Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator 1

Firstly, it's worth exploring the actor responsible for bringing Maximus Decimus Meridius to life. In 2000 GladiatorMaximus is portrayed by Russell Crowe. Maximus is arguably the character most synonymous with Crowedespite the actor having an extensive list of credits before and after Gladiator. This is partly due to how well-received Crowe's performance was, with the role earning him an Oscar for Best Actor. As well-written as the character of Maximus is, it's hard to imagine any other actor portraying him with such gravitas, merely elevating the story of Rome's abandoned general.

Maximus Decimus Meridius served as a Roman general and was betrayed

Maximus' story begins in the final battle of the Marcomannic Wars

GladiatorThe opening credits describe that the film begins in 180 AD and that the opening sequence is the final battle between the Roman army and the Germanic tribes of northern and eastern Europe. The battle is impressive and features many aspects that typify Ridley Scott's strengths as a director, but it also goes a long way toward establishing the foundation of Maximus' character. Maximus is introduced as the general of the Roman army, someone who has earned the undying respect of the men he leads.

This respect is demonstrated during the initial battle, as is Maximus' bravery and strength as a warrior. After the war, Maximus' closeness to Marcus Aurelius is shown when he shares with the former his dream that Rome would be returned to the rule of his people. The elderly Gladiator the character even asks Maximus to become his successor and see this dream come true, but Maximus refuses and insists that he is not a politician and that he ended the war, only wanting to return to his family.

Jealous of Maximus' relationship with Marcus Aurelius, the latter's son, Commodus, kills the emperor and sentences Maximus to death. Maximus is taken into the forest to be killed, but manages to escape before running home to his family. Tragically, Maximus finds his wife and son dead at the hands of Commodus, who has secured his new position as emperor of Rome.

How Maximus Became a Gladiator Who Fought in the Colosseum

The injuries suffered by Maximus during his fight with Commodus' men caused him to faint upon meeting his family. Maximus is then found by slave traders, revealing how he becomes involved in the world of gladiatorial combat. Maximus is taken to the north coast of Africa and purchased by a gladiator owner known as Antonius Proximus. Proximus tells Maximus that if he wins the favor of the crowds he fights in front of, he can move on to the Colosseum in Rome.

Maximus's first fights in the arena include one of Gladiatorthe most iconic quotes when introducing the character to his allies, such as Juba and Hagen. Due to Maximus' growing fame, Proximus and his gladiators are invited to Rome to fight in the Colosseum. Here, Maximus intends to win over the crowd and take revenge on Emperor Commodus after the death of his wife and son.

Maximus killed Emperor Commodus at the end of Gladiator

The film boils down to a battle in the Colosseum

After increasing his influence over the Roman people and even planning a failed coup against Commodus, Maximus finally gets his chance for revenge. Commodus plans to kill Maximus in the arena in a one-on-one fight to win over the people of Rome, but not before stabbing the former general in the back and hiding the wound. Regardless of Commodus's conniving attempts to secure victory, Maximus wins the fight and kills Commodus with the help of Gladiatorof the praetorian guard. This happens in front of the Roman people, Lucilla and Lucius, two of the Gladiator 2central characters.

Lucilla is Commodus' sister and Lucius is his son, both being freed from the Emperor's erratic ways thanks to Maximus' victory. When Maximus dies, he asks Rome's benevolent senators to instill Marcus Aurelius's dream of the Empire being led by its people, also telling Lucilla that Lucius is now safe. Maximus imagines his own Gladiator dreams, when he is shown reuniting with his family in Elysium before his fellow gladiators take his corpse.

Maximus' relationship with Lucilla and her son Lucius

Interestingly, Maximus has a stronger connection to Lucilla and Lucius than previously thought. All over Gladiator, There are indications that Máximo and Lucila had a romantic relationship. Many characters make reference to this past relationship, culminating in a kiss between the two in the middle of the story. This ties into developments made between Maximus and Lucilla's son Lucius, played by Paul Mescal in Gladiator 2.

In Gladiator 2it is revealed that Lucius is Maximus' son. Although neither film describes exactly when Lúcio was conceived in relation to Máximo's other son, the film repeatedly refers to him as the son of Gladiatorprotagonist. This gives the sequel greater thematic importance in relation to the first film, allowing Maximus' legacy to continue through Lucius and Lucilla's actions against the corruption of Rome.

Was Maximus Decimus Meridius a real person?

Maximus was based on several real people

Given GladiatorBased on the historical elements, it is worth asking whether Maximus Decimus Meridius was a real person. Interestingly, Maximus was based on several people. The first was a general favored by Marcus Aurelius called Marcus Nonius Macrinus. The second is a general who already proclaimed himself emperor after the death of Marcus Aurelius, Avidius Cassius. Finally, Maximus was loosely based on Narcissus, Commodus' fighting partner in real Roman history who ended up killing the emperor.

Is Russell Crowe in Gladiator 2?

Finally, many will wonder if Russell Crowe's Maximus is present in Gladiator 2. However, the character is absent as he died at the end of the first film. That being said, Gladiator 2 revolves entirely around the legacy of Maximus, with the characters in the sequel seeking to defend their ideals, returning Rome to the dream that Marcus Aurelius had for it. For this reason, Máximo has great importance on the events of Gladiator 2, from Lucius using his sword and armor to Lucilla making long references to her old flame.

Although Russell Crowe is never seen in Gladiator 2the character still appears. In the final scene of Gladiator 2Lucius asks his father to speak metaphorically to him as a guide to the new prince of Rome. This results in flashbacks to Maximus' dreams of Gladiatorwith the character's hand stroking grain stalks as the sequence fades to black.