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Maximus Decimus Meridius is a fictionalized Roman general. He was loyal to emperor Marcus Aurelius who loved him dearly as if Meridius was Aurelius' own son. After the Emperor's death, he was murdered by his son Commodus, Meridius did not promise loyalty to the Emperor's son. Commodus ordered for Meridius to be executed because of treason. However, Meridius escapes and returns home to find his wife and son hanging. He later becomes a gladiator after slave traders find his body. Meridius' skills as a warrior gets him to Rome and finally has a chance to take revenge on Commodus for killing his family and Marcus Aurelius. During the final battle in the movie, he kills the acting Emperor in a gladiatorial match and calls for Rome to return to a republican government. Meridius later dies of his wounds. In the match-up against King Leonidas, Maximus was defeated.