Gladiator centers entirely around the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius, begging questions about his story, character arc, and overall impact on the franchise. By the time of Gladiator‘s emotional ending, the film satisfyingly resolves the many elements introduced in the story. The film is set in 180 AD amid the end of the Marcomannic Wars, versing Gladiator in some historical accuracy, as Emperor Marcus Aurelius seeks to usher in his replacement now that the Roman Empire has a semblance of peace.

Marcus Aurelius’ importance to the story proves that some of Gladiator‘s characters are based on real life, including the film’s central protagonist. The story’s driving force is Maximus Decimus Meridius, who becomes so important that he even has a presence in the story of Gladiator 2. Overall, Gladiator is widely regarded as one of the best films of all time due to its emotional story, action-packed spectacle, and fascinating characters, with Maximus being the fulcrum of each aspect. Without Maximus Decimus Meridius, Gladiator likely would not have worked, making a full exploration of his character all the more pressing.

Russell Crowe Played Maximus Decimus Meridius In Gladiator 1

Firstly, it is worth exploring the actor responsible for imbuing Maximus Decimus Meridius with life. In 2000’s Gladiator, Maximus is portrayed by Russell Crowe. Maximus is arguably the character most synonymous with Crowe, despite the actor having an extensive list of credits both before and after Gladiator. This is partly due to how well-received Crowe’s performance was, with the role earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. As well-written as Maximus’ character is, it is difficult to imagine any other actor portraying him with such gravitas, only elevating the story of Rome’s forsaken general.

Maximus Decimus Meridius Served As A Roman General & Was Betrayed

Maximus’ Story Begins In The Final Battle Of The Marcomannic Wars

Gladiator‘s opening credits outline that the film begins in 180AD 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 stunning and features many aspects that typify Ridley Scott’s strengths as a director but it also does a lot of the groundwork in establishing the foundations of Maximus’ character. Maximus is introduced as the general of the Roman Army, one who has earned the undying respect of the men he leads.

This respect is showcased during the opening battle, as is Maximus’ bravery and strength as a warrior. After the war, Maximus’ closeness with Marcus Aurelius is shown as the latter shares with the former his dream of Rome being given back to the rule of its people. The elderly Gladiator character even asks Maximus to become his successor and see this dream become a reality, yet Maximus declines and insists he is not a politician and is done with war, desiring only to return to his family.

Maximus finds his family dead at the hands of Commodus, who has secured his new position as Rome’s Emperor…

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 woods to be killed but manages to escape before racing home to his family. Tragically, Maximus finds his wife and son dead at the hands of Commodus, who has secured his new position as Rome’s Emperor.

How Maximus Became A Gladiator Who Fought In The Colosseum

The injuries Maximus sustained during his fight with Commodus’ men cause him to collapse upon finding his family. Maximus is then found by slavers, revealing how he becomes embroiled in the world of gladiatorial combat. Maximus is taken to the northern coast of Africa and bought by a gladiator owner known as Antonius Proximo. Proximo tells Maximus that if he earns the favor of the crowds he fights in front of, he can make his way to the Colosseum of Rome.

Maximus’ first few arena fights include one of Gladiator‘s most iconic quotes while introducing the character to his allies, such as Juba and Hagen. Due to Maximus’ growing fame, Proximo and his gladiators are invited to Rome to fight in the Colosseum. Here, Maximus intends to win over the crowd and get revenge against Emperor Commodus after the deaths of his wife and son.

Maximus Killed Emperor Commodus At The End Of Gladiator

The Film Boils Down To A Colosseum Battle

After growing his influence over the Roman people and even planning a failed coup against Commodus, Maximus eventually gets his chance at 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 concealing the wound. Regardless of Commodus’ conniving attempts to secure victory, Maximus wins the fight and kills Commodus with the aid of Gladiator‘s Praetorian guard. This happens in front of the Roman people, Lucilla, and Lucius, two of Gladiator 2‘s central characters.

Lucilla is Commodus’ sister and Lucius is her son, with both being freed from the Emperor’s erratic ways thanks to Maximus’ victory. As Maximus dies, he asks the benevolent senators of Rome to instill Marcus Aurelius’ dream of the Empire being led by its people, also telling Lucilla that Lucius is now safe. Maximus envisions his own Gladiator dreams, as he is shown reuniting with his family in Elysium before his fellow gladiators carry away his dead body.

Maximus’ Relationship With Lucilla And Her Son Lucius

Interestingly, Maximus has a stronger connection to both Lucilla and Lucius than first thought. Throughout Gladiator, it is hinted that Maximus and Lucilla used to have a romantic relationship. Many characters reference this past relationship, culminating in a kiss between the two midway through the story. This is tied to the developments made between Maximus and Lucilla’s son, Lucius, played by Paul Mescal in Gladiator 2.

This gives the sequel a great deal of thematic importance concerning the first movie, allowing Maximus’ legacy to continue through the actions of Lucius…

In Gladiator 2, it is revealed that Lucius is Maximus’ son. While neither film outlines exactly when Lucius was conceived in relation to Maximus’ other son, the film repeatedly refers to him as the son of Gladiator‘s protagonist. This gives the sequel a great deal of thematic importance concerning the first movie, allowing Maximus’ legacy to continue through the actions of Lucius and Lucilla against Rome’s corruption.

Was Maximus Decimus Meridius A Real Person?

Maximus Was Based On Several Real People

Given Gladiator‘s historical elements, the question of whether Maximus Decimus Meridius was a real person is worth asking. Interestingly, Maximus was based on multiple people. The first was a general with the favor of Marcus Aurelius named Marcus Nonius Macrinus. The second is a general who once claimed himself Emperor after Marcus Aurelius’ death, Avidius Cassius. Finally, Maximus was loosely based on Narcissus, Commodus’ wrestling partner in real Roman history who eventually killed the Emperor.

The following section contains minor spoilers for Gladiator 2.

Is Russell Crowe In Gladiator 2?

Finally, many will wonder whether Russell Crowe’s Maximus is present in Gladiator 2. However, the character is absent given he died at the end of the first movie. That being said, Gladiator 2 centers entirely around Maximus’ legacy, with the sequel’s characters looking to uphold his ideals by returning Rome to the dream Marcus Aurelius once had for it. For this reason, Maximus looms large over the events of Gladiator 2, from Lucius using his sword and armor to Lucilla referencing her former flame at length.

Although Russell Crowe is never spotted in Gladiator 2, the character still appears. In the final scene of Gladiator 2, Lucius asks his father to metaphorically speak to him as a guide to the new prince of Rome. This results in flashbacks being shown to Maximus’ dreams from Gladiator, with the character’s hand stroking stalks of grain as the sequel cuts to black.