Gladiator

While Gladiator is a historical film, the main character Maximus is fictional. Here's which Roman figures inspired & influenced the iconic character.

It was also common to see the different types of gladiators either paired together or set as opponents, as seen when Maximus was fighting against the Essedarius, gladiators who rode chariots. Through these influences, viewers are able to get a glimpse of what it was like for a person in Ancient Rome. Moreover, the characteristics that make up Maximus in Gladiator also serve as a symbol of justice and righteousness amidst corruption. One of the biggest influences for the character of Maximus was Roman general Marcus Nonius Macrinus. Marcus was a general, statesman, and advisor during the time of Marcus Aurelius' reign, similar to how Maximus was a general and advisor of Marcus Aurelius in the film. From the design of Maximus' armor to the small round shield and short sword he carried, it can be surmized that Maximus was a Hoplomachus gladiator. Some of the most well-known include Samnites (singular: Samnite), who were the most heavily armored and carried the classic gladius short swords, Murmillones (singular: Myrmillo), or the "fish men," who were similarly armored and styled, Thraces (singular: Thraex), who wielded curved scimitar-like daggers called sica, and the Retiarii (singular: Retiarius), who used a large net and trident as weapons (via The Colosseum). The movie's key historical figures include the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, his aforementioned son Commodus, and daughter Lucilla. The main character Maximus is completely fictional, however.