Dondas The Monkey, And The Real Animal That Became Counsel To A Roman Emperor

Gladiator 2 gives Emperor Caracalla a pet monkey named Dondas, which takes inspiration from a different Roman Emperor and their beloved pet.

November 24, 2024 · 1 min · 52 words · Jeremiah Clark

Table of Contents

Gladiator 2takes a lot of liberties with historical fact, including in its portrayal of Caracalla and Geta.

Did Caracalla Have A Pet Monkey In Real Life?

Gladiator II Official Poster

Dondas the monkey was seemingly inspired by Caligula’s horse Incitatus.

Gladiator 2 Monkey Caracalla

Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla in Gladiator II

Custom Image By Yailin Chacon

Paul Mescal as Lucius looking at Maximus' armor and sword in Gladiator 2

A composite image of Fred Hechinger in Gladiator II and Paul Mescal fighting a rhino

Custom Image By Yailin Chacon

Movies

Gladiator II