BothGladiatorand its sequel,Gladiator 2, center around the dream of Rome, begging the question of what exactly this dream entails. The dream of Rome is first mentioned by Marcus Aurelius in the first film, an ideal that is passed down toGladiator’s Maximus Decimus Meridius. The entire story of Maximus from this point hinges on two aspects: fulfilling Aurelius' dream of Rome and avenging the deaths of his wife and son, both of which Maximus seemingly achieves by the time ofGladiator’s ending.
Despite Maximus' efforts, the dream of Rome remains exactly that inGladiator 2,with the empire still being ruled by two Emperors.Gladiator 2’s cast of characterslinks heavily to both Maximus and Marcus Aurelius, meaning the end goal of the sequel is consistent with that of its predecessor: making the fabled dream a reality. InGladiator 2’s climactic ending, this dream of Rome is somewhat realized, leading many to wonder what it is, how it was accomplished, and whether it links to real Roman history.
Marcus Aurelius' Dream Of Rome Explained
The Dream Involves Dissolving Rome’s Imperial Rule
The dream of Rome is first raised by Marcus Aurelius inGladiator’s first act. One scene involves Maximus and Marcus speaking about Rome, as well as the former’s home. Marcus states that he does not wish to be seen as a tyrant, and questions what the 20 years of war he has overseen has been for.This leads Marcus to outline his dream for Rome, that being a democratic republic that is ruled by its people rather than the corrupt senators and politicians that scheme their way into powerin the heart of the empire.
Marcus Aurelius asks Maximus to become his successor, in the hopes that a man who has not been corrupted by these politics will ensure this dream of Rome after he dies. Despite Maximus' wholehearted denial of this position, he eventually begins fighting for Marcus Aurelius' dream. Shortly after, theelderly character ofGladiatoris killed by his son, Commodus, who is an embodiment of the corruption the dream was said to remove from Rome. This, combined with the death of Maximus' family at Commodus' hands, sees the former general become a gladiator in an attempt to instill Marcus Aurelius' dream.
Was The Dream Of Rome Real Or Made Up For The Movie?
As is the case with many aspects ofGladiator,the dream of Rome rides the line between real and fictional. Many ofGladiator’s characters are based on real-lifefigures, yet the overall historical accuracy of the world crafted by Ridley Scott is often thrown into doubt. Regardless of the exaggerated, dramatized aspects,Gladiator’s story can still be aligned with real-world Roman politics, including Marcus Aurelius' dream of Rome, though not without some fictionalized elements.
Gladiator True Story & Historical Accuracy: How Much Really Happened
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator is based in the history of ancient Rome, but while the movie is accurate in some areas, it take poetic license in others.
The inspiration behindGladiator’s dream of Rome likely came from the failure of the Roman Republic.The real Roman Republic existed between 509 BC and 27 BC, yet was more of an oligarchy than a democracy, in which a small selection of people with great power chose Rome’s rulers. The Roman Republic was dissolved into the Roman Empire after the death of Julius Caesar and the crowning of Augustus Octavius as the first Roman Emperor.Gladiatoris set in 180 AD, around 150–160 years after these events.
Gladiator’s dream can be attributed to some historical aspects, given that Rome was both a republic and an empire in history…
While the Roman Empire never returned to its formerly republican ways in real life,Gladiatortook inspiration from its existence. InGladiator, Marcus Aurelius wishes to return Rome to how it was before the empire as an improved version, with its citizens dictating who led them, as opposed to wealthy, powerful people of influence. As such,Gladiator’s dream can be attributed to some historical aspects, given that Rome was both a republic and an empire in history. That said, the idea of Rome actually becoming a republic once more is fictional.
How Lucius Achieves The Dream Of Rome In Gladiator 2
The Legacy Of Maximus & Marcus Aurelius Sees The Dream Become A Reality
The fictional idea of Rome dissolving its empire and becoming a republic once more was solidified in thestory ofGladiator 2.Gladiator 2features Lucius Verus, the grandson of Marcus Aurelius and son of Maximus, as its main protagonist. Although the film begins with Lucius using the alias Hanno and hiding from his birthright, the film chronicles his journey to becoming the successor of both Maximus and Marcus Aurelius and taking his place as the prince of Rome.
Paul Mescal’s Lucius In Gladiator 2 Explained: Sequel Plot, Recasting & True Story
As the main character of Gladiator 2, Paul Mescal’s Lucius has been given quite a bit of attention in new images and interviews for the epic sequel.
After doing so inGladiator 2’s final act, Lucius tells the Roman Army, the Praetorian guard, and the people of Rome about Marcus Aurelius' dream. In taking back power fromGladiator 2’s corrupt emperorsand scheming politicians like Macrinus, Lucius solidifies his position as the leader of Rome. Under his leadership, the empire can now begin to be successfully transitioned into a republic once more, fulfilling the dream of Rome that Marcus Aurelius held for so long and that persevered through Maximus' life and intoGladiator 2.
Gladiator II
Cast
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
