Maximus' legacy looms large inGladiator II, but there’s a reason why his name was crossed out on the wall of the gladiator compound. Russell Crowe does not return as Maximus Decimus Meridius in theGladiatorsequel, as Paul Mescal steps into the lead role asMaximus' son Lucius. This gives Maximus a major role to play inGladiator 2without physically being present. Many of the main characters have some connection to Maximus, and the familiar Roman Colosseum setting at the core gives Ridley Scott a chance to expand on his story even after his death inGladiator’s ending.
One of the most intriguingreferences to Maximus inGladiator 2comes with a wall within the gladiator compound. One wall has been transformed over time to be a record of the most notable gladiators who have fought in the arena. Names of several fighters can be seen, butLucius takes notice of one name that has been crossed out. It’s later confirmed by the doctor Ravi that the original name in this spot was Maximus. However,Gladiator 2doesn’t fully explain the reason why this was done in the years afterGladiator.
Maximus' Name Was Likely Crossed Out Because He Killed Commodus In Gladiator
His Behavior Set A Dangerous Precedent
The most likely explanation for Maximus' name being removed from the wall inGladiator 2is that it was a consequence of him killing Commodus. There was an idea in Ancient Rome known as damnatio memoriae, which means “condemnation of memory” or “damnation of memory.” The goal here is to completely erase the record of a person, typically a previous emperor, by changing statues, removing their names from documents and artifacts, and so on. In real Roman history, Commodus andGladiator 2’s emperor Getaare a few examples of emperors whose rules were subject todamnatio memoriaelater on.
Gladiator: What Happened To Emperor Commodus In Real Life
Gladiator’s main villain, Emperor Commodus, meets his end at Maximus’ hands in the movie, but what happened to the real-life figure who inspired him?
It would seem that the Senate that took power after Maximus and Commodus died - and Lucius was sent away - wanted to ensure that the idea of killing an active emperor is not something to be celebrated. Institutingdamnatio memoriaefor Maximus would have been one way to do this. This would include removing his name from what effectively acts as the gladiator’s wall of honor. It would still make sense for Rome’s emperor after Commodus to try and erase Maximus from history beforeGladiator 2’s endingand Lucius proudly proclaiming his connection to the famous former general.
How Gladiator 2 Proved Maximus Was Still Celebrated
Maximus Wasn’t Completely Erased From History
Maximus' name might have been removed from the wall inGladiator 2, but the movie affirms that he was still celebrated by the living afterward. Ravi takes Lucius to a secret underground burial site below the holding cells and arena that acts as an honorary grave for the most legendary gladiators. This is confirmed to include Maximus, as his sword and armor are proudly presented on the wall and his name inscribed below. Maximus' hidden burial is a chance for the gladiators to celebrate those who otherwise could have been forgotten or erased from history.
The existence of this secret site would not rule out the chance ofdamnatio memoriaeeither. This would appear to be a location that very few people know about, so it would not be on any official records. The gladiators even could have moved to create this memory of Maximus as a result of the government ordering for his name to be crossed out on the wall. This would allow them to legally follow their orders but still honor one of the bravest gladiators to fight in the Colosseum ahead ofGladiator II.
