Changes

<u>Maximus Decimus Meridius</u>: Maximus is an entirely fictitious character, but seems to be based on several characters, including Avidius Cassius, who was a general in Marcus Aurelius' armies. In fact, he did declare himself emperor or revolt shortly after thinking Aurelius' deathdied in 175, suggesting a brief power struggle, but he was eventually killed after it was learned Aurelius was not killed. There was a general named Maximus who lived in the late Roman Empire who may have aspired to revolt against the empire.<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>

<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 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 may have 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 crippled people in the arena, which may have been on of the final straws before his own assassination. However, his political actions were also likely unwise, as he tried to declare himself consul and gladiator, where the former is an elected position and the later something usually only slaves should hold. Narcissus, his wrestling partner, eventually killed him in 192 as part of a larger conspiracy. <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, in fact, conspire to kill Commodus but failed in 182, leading to her death. Unlike the film depicts, Lucilla was probably ambitious to be a co-ruler with her husband, which is why she may have conspired. However, she may have not considered herself as ruler until she witnessed her erratic brother's behavior. Unlike the film, Commodus probably did not try to have incestous relations with his sister.<ref>For more on Lucilla, see: Lightman, M., Lightman, B., & Lightman, M. (2008).<i>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, the destructive character of his son may have caused later depictions of Marcus Aurelius not being content with his son succeeding him, event though he probably willing chose him. 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>Marcus Aurelius: warrior, philosopher, emperor.</i> London: Vintage Books.</ref>