Ive watched both Gladiator movies in the span of a week and I’m think of a maxiel au where Max is a warrior from Noviomagus (a roman-conquered settlement in what is now the Netherlands) and Daniel is a roman senator who has taken a keen interest in Max. Featuring shitty emperors and an uprising as per usual in Gladiator movies.
I have so many convo extracts between Daniel and Max in this AU saved to my phone. Here’s one.
“So Maximus-“
“Just Max. Max Emilian, if you wish to use a longer name. I will not be using a roman one.”
“Max Emilian then. How does a talented handsome young fighter find yourself in the colosseum?”
“Your people murdered my family and forced me here against my will to serve as your entertainment. And no manner of flattery will absolve my anger for what happened. I will have my vengeance against your emperor, in this life or the next.”
“Perhaps then we can come to an agreement, Max Emilian.”
“Explain.”
“The senate is not fond of the Emperor, much like yourself. He gives no power to the people of Rome. There are plenty of people who are starving due to the funds of war and many more who have lost fathers and husbands due to the Emperor’s greed. There is an idea to return greatness to Rome, one where the senate have power and return it to the people, allow their voices to be heard. It would be of great use to us if a skilled and popular gladiator such as yourself would lead our army against him. It would swing the public opinion in our favour even more.”
“It would be of no benefit to me to aid you in such a rebellion.”
“Unless I could convince the senate to restore freedom to Noviomagus. Remove them from the empire’s control and ensure they will never fall under it again. You would also earn your freedom a lot quicker than most. Does that sweeten our deal?”
“… it is clear why you deal in politics, Senator.”
“Is that a yes?”
