(1) According to the (excellent) documentary, Faith Unconquered: Roman Persecutions of Early Christians, Emperor Marcus Aurelius actively persecuted Christians — and, conversely, his son and successor Commodus ended all such active persecutions, under the influence of his Christian slave mistress.

CONCLUSION: From a Christian perspective, Commodus was certainly a huge improvement over Marcus Aurelius.


(2) In the movie Gladiator, the main hero character (Maximus) is seen worshipping and kissing small figurines as he prays to his ancestors. And Marcus Aurelius is glorified even as Commodus is portrayed as the arch-enemy.

CONCLUSION: Hollywood glorifies IDOLATRY and PERSECUTORS of CHRISTIANS — and villifies those who were helpful to Christians.