* = historical figure

See De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperor

Maximus (Russell Crowe), Marcus Aurelius’ Spanish general

*Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), emperor of Rome 161-180. He died of an illness while on campaign. He was not murdered by Commodus.

*Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), son of Marcus Aurelius, emperor 180-192. He was strangled in his bath by an athlete named Narcissus. His assassination leads to years of Civil War in Rome.

*Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), the daughter of Marcus Aurelius. She was first married to L. Verus, co-emperor with MA until his death in 169. She was then married to Ti. Claudius Pompeianus. In c.182 she conspired unsuccessfully against Commodus and was exiled to Capri, where she was put to death.