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==Main CharactersWho was Maximus Decimus Meridius Based On?==<u>Maximus Decimus Meridius</u>: Maximus is an entirely fictitious character but seems to be based on several characters, including Avidius Cassius, a general in Marcus Aurelius' armies. He did declare declared himself emperor or revolt shortly after thinking Aurelius died in 175, suggesting a brief power struggle. Still, he was eventually killed after it became clear Aurelius was not dead. A general named Maximus lived in the late Roman Empire who may have aspired to inspired Gladiator's story of a revolt against the empirean emperor.<ref>For more on Avidius, see: Canduci, Alexander (2010). <i>Triumph & Tragedy: The Rise and Fall of Rome’s Immortal Emperors.</i> Roman imperial biographies. Sydney: Pier 9.</ref>
==Who were the Real People portrayed in Gladiator?==
<u>Commodus</u>: While Commodus is a historical figure who did hold gladiator contests and may have been mentally unstable, as depicted in the film, he did, in fact, rule the Roman Empire for 12 years. Among the odd things Commodus did was rename the months and legions after himself (he had twelve names he went by). He even named the Roman people after himself. He was purported to have held naked gladiator contests, which would have outraged some Roman citizens and contributed to his bad reputation and eventual downfall. He may have killed 100 lions in a day during his gladiator contests and other exotic animals such as elephants. Even by Roman standards, the level of slaughter may have caused outrage.
He even started killing many disabled people in the arena, which may have been one of the final straws before he was assassinated. However, his political actions were also likely unwise. He tried to declare himself consul and gladiator, where the former is an elected position and the latter usually only slaves should hold. Narcissus, his wrestling partner, eventually killed him in 192 as part of a larger conspiracy by Roman leaders.<ref>For more on Commodus, see: Adams 2013.</ref>
<u>Lucilla</u>: She was Commodus' sister, and in the film, she was depicted as trying to encourage the conspiracy against her brother. She did conspire to kill Commodus but failed in 182, leading to her death. Unlike what the film depicts, Lucilla was probably ambitious to be a co-ruler with her husband (she is shown as a widow in the movie), which is why she may have conspiredagainst her brother. However, she may not have considered herself a possible ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behavior. Unlike the film, Commodus probably did not seek to have an incestuous relationship with his sister.<ref>For more on Lucilla, see: Lightman, M., Lightman, B., & Lightman, M. (2008).<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0816031126/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0816031126&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=e0745e365189f3743bd8492787d85ed5 A to Z of Ancient Greek and Roman women].</i> (Rev. ed). New York: Facts On File, pg. 195.</ref>
<u>Marcus Aurelius</u>: The emperor's relatively positive reputation has likely contributed to his depiction in the film as a wise ruler (i.e., the philosopher-king) who tried to avoid appointing his son. However, despite his son's destructive nature, Marcus Aurelius was willing to choose Commodus to be his successor and heir. The film depicts Marcus Aurelius lamenting his many wars, but in reality, Marcu Aurelius would have seen these wars as his duty to Rome. He was influenced by Stoic philosophy, which believed in wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.<ref>For more on Marcus Aurelius as the philosopher-king, see: McLynn, F. (2010). <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1844135276/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1844135276&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=b7e495cc41272b5a97414fb499bdbe9c Marcus Aurelius: Warrior, philosopher, emperor].</i> London: Vintage Books.</ref>
