Máximo Décimo Meridio is the name of the main character in the film Gladiator (Gladiator in Spain). It was played by Russell Crowe, with the participation of Joaquim Phoenix, Richard Harris and Connie Nielsen.
The film was directed by Ridley Scott and released in 2000. The plot tells the story of Máximo Décimo Meridio, born in Hispania. This is an important general of the Roman army, who sees how he is betrayed by Commodus, the son of the Emperor.
Comfortable assassinates his father to seize the throne and Máximo is enslaved and turned into a gladiator. In the film, he tells how he fights for his freedom and to avenge the murder of his family.
Was there a Maximum Tenth Meridio?
The character himself is not real, just the creation of the scriptwriters for the film. Others of those who appear in the film are real, such as Commodus himself, Marco Aurelio or Greco.
Of course, the events that appear on the screen are not a reflection of the historical events one hundred percent. In any case, some suggest that the character played by Crowe may have some real references that serve as inspiration for the creation of it.
Among them, Espartaco, Claudio Pompeyano or Marco Nonio Macrino. Most likely, the writers collected different events starring various people to create Máximo.
Spartacus
Perhaps the most famous among those that could inspire Gladiator. He is a Thracian slave and gladiator who lived in the 1st century BC. He was the leader of a great slave revolt against Rome. The objective of his revolt was to obtain the freedom of his companions.
His story was also made into a film by Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas. This film, Spartacus, is considered one of the best in history and is a benchmark for all films of the genre.
Claudio Pompeyano
Certain scholars have found similarities between Máximo Meridio and the writings of a historian named Herodian. Likewise, it is said that the events are similar to those of Claudio Pompeyano, a real character who does not appear in the film.
Pompeyano came from Syria and married a daughter of Marco Aurelio. According to the chronicles, the Emperor thought of him to replace him, instead of his son Commodus. In any case, this did not happen and Pompeyano is lost to history.
Marco Nonio Macrino
He is the character that is most recognized as inspiring the protagonist of the film. He was a general of the army of Ancient Rome, reaching the position of Consul.
Great military victories are credited to him when he fought under Emperor Antoninus Prius.
Although, unlike Máximo Meridio, he did not fight in the arena as a gladiator, it is known that he was a great friend of Marco Aurelio.
A few years ago his tomb was discovered near Rome and some archaeologists once again brought up the supposed link between the historical and the fictional person.
In any case, it is known that during the time related in the film, Nonio Macrino would be over 70 years old, so the inspiration would not be direct at all.
References
- Povedano, Julian. They discover the tomb of the real 'Gladiator' north of Rome. Obtained from elmundo.es
- Cinepedia. Gladiator. Retrieved from cine.wikia.com
- Italy's Wonders. The true story of "The Gladiator". Retrieved from italyswonders.com
- Squires, Nick. Gladiator tomb discovered by archaeologists. Retrieved from telegraph.co.uk
- Who Inspired ?. Who Inspired Gladiator (2000 film) ?. Retrieved from whoinspired.com