Based on the historical Lucius Verus II (Lucilla's son), but the real Lucius died very young. The film's depiction of him surviving to adulthood, living in hiding, becoming a gladiator, and seeking revenge is entirely fictional.

Based on the historical Lucilla, but she was executed under her brother Commodus's reign years before the film's events. Her survival and role in the sequel's plot are fictional.

Based on the real Emperor Caracalla. His reputation for cruelty, paranoia, and murdering his brother Geta aligns with history, but the film dramatizes specifics and possibly his appearance/mannerisms.

Based on the real Emperor Geta. His co-rule and intense rivalry with Caracalla, ending in his murder, are historical facts. The film depicts them as twins, which is inaccurate (Caracalla was older).

Based on the historical Macrinus who became emperor after Caracalla. However, the film drastically invents his backstory (slave/gladiator/arms dealer) and motivations (vengeance). His historical rise and short reign differ significantly.

A purely fictional character created for the film's plot, possibly serving as a heroic military figure.

The real Lucius Verus II died young, likely before or around Commodus's death. His entire adult storyline is fictional.

This backstory element is entirely fictional, created to explain Lucius's absence and set up his return.

Part of Lucius's fictional arc, mirroring Maximus's journey in the first film.

The brothers did historically rule jointly from AD 209/211 following the death of their father, Septimius Severus.

Historical sources confirm the brothers deeply distrusted and hated each other during their brief co-rule.

Caracalla did orchestrate the murder of Geta in late AD 211. The film depicts the event, though specific circumstances (like Geta dying in his mother's arms) might be altered for drama.

While the historical Macrinus was involved in Caracalla's assassination and succeeded him, the film's portrayal of him as a long-plotting, vengeful former slave is fictional.

The film reportedly shows Caracalla killed soon after Geta during the revolt led by Lucius/Macrinus. Historically, Caracalla reigned alone for another six years (until AD 217).

Macrinus historically ruled for about 14 months before being overthrown by forces loyal to Caracalla's family (specifically Elagabalus). His quick death at Lucius's hands is fictional.

Romans did stage naumachiae. However, the film's depiction with sharks and potentially other anachronisms (massive ships, cannons) is inaccurate exaggeration for spectacle.

Rhinos were used in arena spectacles (venationes), but there's no evidence of gladiators riding them into combat.

Numidia was a Roman province, and conflicts occurred there historically, but the specific war depicted involving Lucius and Acacius is part of the film's fictional narrative.

The film's ending with Lucius poised to lead Rome is entirely fictional, building on the fictional premise of his survival and heroism. The idea of restoring the Republic was also anachronistic.

The film is set approximately 16-20 years after the first film (which ended c. 180 AD), placing it correctly within the era of Caracalla and Geta's rule (c. 211 AD).

Criticized for presenting Rome as monochromatic (white marble) instead of colorful (painted statues/buildings) and having vast open spaces inconsistent with the dense layout of the ancient city.

The film captures the immense scale and impressive nature of the Colosseum, reflecting how Romans likely viewed it.

Romans used many exotic animals (including rhinos) in arena events (venationes). However, specific depictions like rhino-riding or potentially trained killer baboons are likely exaggerations.

Scenes reportedly showing characters in café-like settings or reading newspapers are inaccurate, as these did not exist in ancient Rome.

Likely similar to the first film: visually impressive but prioritizing aesthetics over strict 3rd-century accuracy. May mix elements from different periods. (Based on general reviews and predecessor).

Reflects the multi-ethnic nature of the Roman Empire, including characters of North African origin like Macrinus, which is historically accurate for the period.

Characters speak with modern accents (e.g., American, British). While inaccurate, this is a standard and generally accepted cinematic convention for accessibility.