Maximus Decimus Meridius

titled as “deserter”, Maximus holds great disdain towards the SPQR emblem that is tattooed on his arm. The irony depicted in the situation reminds Maximus of the bitter truth: his family and Marcus Aurelius (the previous emperor) were dead. While using a sharp edge to remove the tattoo from his arm, Maximus is questioned by the Nubian man, Juba: “Is that the sign of your gods? Will that not anger them?”(Gladiator) The “gods” that Juba inquires about, as seen through Maximus’ eyes, can refer to…