Suggested by: Narcissus

Character in Gladiator Portrayed by: Russell Crowe
Maximus


In early drafts of Gladiator Maximus' character was named Narcissus. Narcissus was the personal wrestling partner of Emperor Commodus. After several failed assassination attempts and numerous appearances in the arena, Commodus was to be killed in his bedroom by Narcissus.

Some elements of Maximus bear some resemblance to Spartacus. Spartacus (c.109 - 71 BC) was a Thracian soldier, rather than a Roman soldier. He was captured and sold into slavery to be trained as a gladiator. Unlike Maximus who used the arena to make his impact, Spartacus escaped and led a slave rebellion. After some success, he was defeated in 71 BC by a Roman army and crucified as a warning to other slaves.
Related Items Available at eBay - Scroll for additional items