Maximus Decimus Meridius

Maximus Decimus Meridius is the main protagonist of the 2000 movie Gladiator. He is played by Russell Crowe.

History
Maximus was a Roman General who Emperor Marcus Aurelius asked to succeed him instead of his son, Commodus. In a fit of rage, Commodus kills Aurelius, then sends his men to kill Maximus' wife and son. Maximus, having escaped his own execution, arrives too late to save his family and is captured by slavers. He is then sold off to be a gladiator. When he arrives in Rome, he plans to overthrow and kill Commodus for what he has done, but Commodus finds out about this and Maximus is captured. He is then forced to fight Commodus, who rigs the fight in his favor by stabbing Maximus in stomach before the fight begins. Although he manages to kill Commodus, Maximus succumbs to his wounds and dies, finally able to be with his family again.