Macrinus is based on a real emperor of Rome.
Denzel Washington’s performance as Macrinus has been one of the most universally-acclaimed elements of Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel Gladiator II, although he is portrayed quite differently from the historical figure he’s based upon. Washington’s Macrinus is depicted as a wealthy arms dealer and businessman as well as a former slave to the emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose death triggered the events of the original Gladiator.
1 The Real Macrinus Became Emperor After Conspiring Against Caracalla He Did Not Actually Kill Caracalla Himself ✕ Remove Ads Macrinus uses Paul Mescal’s Lucius as a tool to further his own cause, which is ultimately to claim the throne of the Roman Empire and wield the power that he suffered under for much of his life. His manipulation of the twin emperors allows him to achieve his goal, as he is directly responsible for murdering both men.
Macrinus inherited several different conflicts from his predecessor, along with unstable financial circumstances for the Empire thanks to Caracalla’s overspending. In the year that he had to rule, Macrinus agreed to a number of unpopular peace treaties in an effort to restore stability to the Empire. He also sought to cut back on spending, and as part of his restoration of a more frugal financial system, he cut the pay of the many legionnaires in the army.
Macrinus was officially overthrown at the Battle of Antioch in June 218, from which he fled in an attempt to get to Rome. He was captured relatively quickly in the town of Chalcedon and was summarily executed, along with his young son who he had made co-emperor just months before.
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