Marcus Nonius Macrinus was a Roman general and politician under the rule of Marcus Aurelius in ancient Rome, in late second century AD. He headed several military campaigns and served as a proconsul of the Asia Minor province.Discovery: Original 'Gladiator's' Tomb Unearthed in Rome (October 15, 2008)
A group of Italian archaeologists discovered Marcus Nonius Macrinus' tomb north of Rome, in October 2008. Chief archaeologist Daniela Rossi described the marble monument as "an exceptional find."Times Online: Tomb of the real 'Gladiator'... (October 16, 2008)
Marcus Nonius Macrinus inspired the protagonist in the film Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe in the main role.Telegraph: Gladiator tomb discovered by archaeologists (October 16, 2008)