I completely forgot Commodus did this to Maximus right before the final battle in the Colosseum. If you don't know, Gladiator II is now officially out, but before you go and see the sequel in theaters, below are some of the top moments you may want to remember from Gladiator . Maximus Decimus Meridius was a highly respected Roman general. Marcus Aurelius was the ruler of Rome in 180 CE and had two children, Lucilla and Commodus. Lucilla and Maximus once had a relationship before he was married.