The role that the famous American actor Denzel Washington plays in the film is that of Macrinus, a former slave who aims to control the Rome. The character is loosely based on the historical figure Marcus Opellius Macrinus.
Marcus Opellius Macrinus was a Roman emperor who served in that role with his young son Diadumenianus from April 217 to June 218. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
New Delhi: Gladiator II is a 2024 epic historical action film which Ridley Scott directed and produced and it is a sequel to Gladiator which was released in 2000. The film stars the likes of Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn, Derek Jacobi, Lior Raz and Connie Nielsen. The role that the famous American actor Denzel Washington plays in the film is that of Macrinus, a former slave who aims to control Rome. The character is loosely based on the historical figure Marcus Opellius Macrinus and in this article, we will take a look at who was Marcus Opellius Macrinus.
Who was Marcus Opellius Macrinus?
Marcus Opellius Macrinus was a Roman emperor who served in that role with his young son Diadumenianus from April 217 to June 218. Born in Caesarea, Macrinus was the first emperor who did not come from the senatorial class. Also, during his reign, he never visited Rome, a first of its kind. He served Emperor Caracalla before becoming emperor and dealt with the civil affairs of Rome.
How did Marcus Opellius Macrinus become the emperor?
Macrinus was a favourite of Emperor Caracalla but it changed when it was prophesied that he would depose and succeed the emperor. Macrinus, to protect his own life, hatched a plan to murder Caracalla. In the spring of 217, the emperor was in the eastern provinces preparing a campaign against the Parthian Empire. On April 8, Caracalla was murdered while he was going to a temple. The murder was done by Justin Martialis whom Macrinus recruited for the act.
On April 11, Macrinus declared himself emperor without waiting for the Senate. He was backed by the army and was later supported by the Senate. As an emperor, Macrinus had to deal with several problems left behind by his predecessor. During his reign, Macrinus never got the chance to return to Rome. Thanks to the policies of his predecessor, the coffers of Rome were empty and the empire was embroiled in war with several kingdoms. Macrinus, during his time as the emperor, tried to restore Rome’s diplomatic and economic stability. While he brought peace with the previously rival kingdoms, there was unrest in the Roman military due to extra financial costs and fiscal reforms.
The downfall of Macrinus
At that time, there was unrest in Rome and Julia Maesa, the aunt of the slain emperor Caracalla took advantage of it. She triggered a rebellion to have her grandson, Elagabalus who was just 14 years old, crowned as the emperor. On June 8, 218, in the Battle of Antioch, Macrinus was defeated and Elagabalus was proclaimed the emperor. Macrinus fled the battlefield and was captured in Chalcedon and later executed in Cappadocia. His son Diadumenian was also captured and executed.
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