Who was Macrinus, the Roman emperor played by Denzel Washington in ‘Gladiator 2′, who died executed?

‘Gladiator 2′ is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. The sequel to Ridley Scott’s masterpiece hits the big screen next Friday, November 15th, and we will be the first to know if it lives up to its predecessor. An outstanding cast that includes names such as Denzel Washington, who plays Emperor Macrinus and has already been praised by critics, who note that he is eligible for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role.

Macrinus is one of the most intimidating characters in the entire movie, a character played by a Denzel Washington who intimidates with a smile that hides much more than it seems at first glance. But who was Macrinus really?

Macrinus, a Roman emperor with a violent end

Marcus Opellius Macrinus was born in Caesaria, an ancient port in the kingdom of Mauritania, in present-day Algeria, the son of the local nobility, although without great economic means. Macrinus was the first emperor who did not come from the senatorial class, being the first of African descent to be proclaimed emperor by his soldiers without consulting the Senate, thus relying on the loyalty of his troops.

Macrinus was considered a very reliable man and of great common sense. He was emperor from April 12, 217 to June 8, 218. He was overthrown during the battle of Antioch between his troops and those of Elagabalus. Heliogabalus had claimed to be the successor of Caracalla, Macrinus’ predecessor, and had been proclaimed emperor by the Roman legions on May 16, 218. In the battle between the two, Macrinus was defeated and in an attempt to escape, during which he even shaved his beard to avoid being recognized, he was captured in Chalcedon and executed in Cappadocia, both in modern Turkey. Unfortunately, his son Diadumenianus was also captured and executed at the age of 10.

Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more. Follow us now!