Masterpiece Among Masterpieces, Gladiator by Ridley Scott was able to link historical reality and scriptwriting freedom to create a film that everyone remembers today. But did you know that the great Maximus, a fictional character, was nevertheless inspired by a real man?
"My name is Maximus Deceimus Meridius, Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the North, General of the Phoenix Legions, faithful servant of the true Emperor Marcus Aurelius ". So, chills?
The year 2000 will have seen Russell Crowe reach the peak of notoriety. Thanks to Gladiator , the New Zealand actor will have had a leap forward in his career. Marking role in the history of cinema, Maximus Decimus Meridius is a general in the Roman army close to the Emperor Marcus Aurelius and whose destiny will bring him to arenas to fight as a gladiator. If this man never existed, Ridley Scott will have been influenced by real historical figures to create one of the most popular peplum heroes in cinema.
Ridley Scott signs with Gladiator one of his biggest hits. For just over $100 million in budget, the supercharged peplum grossed around $460 million, making it de facto an extremely profitable work. Deserved? Yes, totally. The music, scenery, role-playing, antagonists and poignant ending from the Universal production one of the most successful to date.
But some historians, or simply lovers of ancient life, will however have been a little upset by certain historical freedoms highlighted in the film. Marc-Aurele was not the sage mentioned at the beginning of the film, massacres of Christians in Lyon would have taken place under his reign. He was also not killed by his son but probably because of the "Antonine plague" or poisoning. On this point, nothing has been settled but it is not the work of Commode .
The latter, played by Joaquin Phoenix in the film was not brown but blond, was rather robust and less sadistic. He was also said to have been killed by a slave, but not in the arena. Narcisse would have strangled him in his bath.
The character of Maximus is completely fictional. However, like many characters, he was inspired by many. As mentioned above, he probably took over the story of the slave Narcissus when Commodus was put to death. His leadership in gladiatorial combat is directly reminiscent of the tale of Spartacus . His friendship and loyalty to the Roman emperor is a direct reference to Claudius Pompeianus , brilliant general who led the wars of Marc-Auréle. Maximus also derives his creation from a senator, general and friend of the Emperor:Marcus Nonius Macrinus.
