RomanArmyTalk

Italian archaeologists have investigated the real life of the soldier that inspired the character of Maximus Decimus Meridius in the movie "Gladiator".

The equestrian officer Lucius Iulius Vehilius Gratus Iulianus was commander of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, fighting against Germans and Sarmatians. Then, he was appointed praetorian prefect by Emperor Commodus who, shortley after, killed him after inflicting him many humiliations, like gladiator game in the Colosseum arena.

The original epigraphic stele and a new movie about Iulius Iulianus is displayed at "Museo delle Terme di Diocleziano" in Rome.
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucio_Giuli...uliano.jpg

arrivederci,
Emilio

Quote:killed him after inflicting him many humiliations

He pushed into a swimming-pool his praetorian prefect Julianus, although he was clad in his toga and accompanied by his staff; and he even ordered this same Julianus to dance naked before his concubines, clashing cymbals and making grimaces.

(Historia Augusta, Commodus, 11.3)

I don't remember that happening in Gladiator! :grin:

Quote:
I don't remember that happening in Gladiator! :grin:

...maybe a "director's cut" ? :wink:

arrivederci,
Emilio