This article examines historical truths and inaccuracies in Gladiator II, focusing on the characters of Emperors Geta and Caracalla, played by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, and Macrinus, portrayed by Denzel Washington. It highlights Macrinus’s origins from Mauretania, his role in the assassination of Caracalla, and his brief reign as Emperor. The discussion includes insights from historian Jérôme France, clarifying Macrinus’s ambitions and the political dynamics of the era, while debunking the notion of a character named Lucius succeeding Macrin.
WARNING – This article contains spoilers about Gladiator II
After dissecting the truths and misconceptions surrounding Gladiator II, particularly concerning Emperors Geta and Caracalla, portrayed by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, respectively, we welcome Jérôme France, a distinguished professor of Roman history at the University of Bordeaux Montaigne. Today, he shares insights on the character of Macrinus, brought to life by Denzel Washington.
In Ridley Scott’s epic, Washington, who took home the Oscar for Best Actor in 2002 for his role in Training Day, plays a cunning and ambitious figure, willing to go to any lengths to seize power.
In Gladiator II, Macrinus takes charge of recruiting gladiators to present them to the Emperors, creating the ultimate spectacle in the grand Colosseum arena. His recruitment of Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, is poised to leave a significant mark…
Denzel Washington as Macrin: Debunking the Controversy
Upon the announcement of Denzel Washington’s casting as Macrin, concerns emerged regarding the character’s origins. Jérôme France clarifies that like many of Rome’s leaders, Macrin was not of Italian descent.
concerns emerged regarding the character’s origins
‘Macrin hails from Mauretania, specifically Caesarea, which is present-day Cherchel. This region encompassed two provinces that align with modern Morocco and Algeria. It is believed that he could have had Moorish, or African, roots, although there were Roman families in the area as well.’
‘Septimius Severus, for instance, also had African origins, but from a different part of Africa, corresponding to present-day Tunisia and parts of Libya, regions that were once known as Africa Proper, an ancient Roman province established following the wars against Carthage.’
‘In contrast, Macrin originated from the western part of Africa, which was integrated into the Empire more recently and was perhaps less Romanized.’
The Truth Behind Caracalla’s Death
In the film, not only does Macrin manipulate Caracalla into assassinating his brother Geta, but he also takes the life of the reigning Emperor. However, historical accounts suggest that while Macrin played a role in Caracalla’s assassination, he did not kill him directly, as the film implies.
Jérôme France elaborates: ‘Caracalla was indeed assassinated during a coup likely orchestrated by Macrin. He held a crucial position as the prefect of the guard.’
‘The prefect of the guard commanded the imperial guard, an elite troop, and held a significant administrative role. The Emperor needed to place absolute trust in this key figure.’
‘The motivation behind this coup could stem from Macrin’s perception that Caracalla had weaknesses hindering effective governance or disagreement with his leadership style.’
‘Personal ambitions may have also driven his actions. While Caracalla was assassinated, it was not directly at Macrin’s hands. Assassination was, after all, a common mode of succession in the Roman Empire.’
Was Macrin Ever Emperor?
In Gladiator II, Denzel Washington’s character attempts a coup to claim the throne, thwarted by Lucius. But did Macrin actually become Emperor in reality?
Denzel Washington
Known fully as Marcus Opellius Severus Macrinus Augustus, Macrin declared himself Emperor in Antioch (modern-day Turkey) on April 11, 217, just two days post-Caracalla’s assassination.
Jérôme France emphasizes: ‘As prefect of the guard, Macrin was not a senator; he belonged to the equestrian order, which was the second-highest rank in the Roman hierarchy. Traditionally, emperors were expected to come from the Senate. Nonetheless, following Caracalla’s assassination, Macrin became the first knight to hold the title of Emperor.’
From Antioch, Macrin sent a letter to the Senate announcing his ascension while vowing to uphold senatorial dignity. He never ruled from Rome, governing the Empire for approximately 15 months until his own assassination on June 8, 218.
Who Followed Macrin?
The esteemed historian notes: ‘Macrin ruled for slightly over a year before being assassinated himself. At that point, the Severan dynasty was restored with Emperor Elagabalus, who was part of the Severan family and thus related to Caracalla.’
‘What stands out is that with Elagabalus’s rise, women played a pivotal role in this imperial lineage. Elagabalus capitalized on Caracalla’s legacy with the public, indicating that his memory was not as negative as one might expect.’
Elagabalus, also recognized as Heliogabalus and dubbed the Emperor of whims, ruled for four years before meeting a violent end at the hands of the populace…
Contrary to the implications in Gladiator II’s conclusion, no Emperor named Lucius succeeded Macrin or Caracalla.
Gladiator II is currently showing in theaters.
Gladiator II