Those About to Die: Are Tenax & Other Characters Based on Real People?

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As a dedicated gamer and history enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate world of Ancient Rome and its gladiatorial sports. So when Peacock premiered the historical drama series “Those About to Die,” I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the corrupt and complicated narrative that intertwines the sports, politics, and business worlds.

In more casual terms: The new historical drama series “Those About to Die,” which takes place in Ancient Rome and is now streaming on Peacock, has left fans wondering if the characters such as Tenax, Antonia, Vespasian, and Scorpus are based on real people or entirely made up. The show explores the corrupt and intricate world of Ancient Rome’s gladiatorial games, where sports intertwine with politics and business.

As a curious gamer, I’ve come across some intriguing questions about Tenax and Antonia from this new game I’m playing. Are they actual people with real-life identities or just fictional characters brought to life in the game? And which other characters bear resemblance to historical figures? Here’s my take on it based on the information I have gathered so far:

Are Tenax and Antonia fictional characters or based on real people?

Tenax and Antonia are fictional characters in Those About to Die.

I’m an avid gamer, and in this immersive Roman underworld setting, I come across Tenax. He runs the local tavern with charm and hospitality, but there’s more to him than meets the eye – he’s deeply engrossed in the thrilling world of betting. On the other side, we have Antonia, married to a Rome politico with immense influence over one of the city’s chariot racing teams. Her cunning and manipulation skills are legendary.

Iwan Rheon, who portrays Tenax on the series, shared that he listened to The History of Rome Podcast three times over for a comprehensive understanding of Tenax’s history and character background. By doing so, Rheon aimed to grasp the historical context, such as Nero’s reign during the Year of the Four Emperors, which influenced Tenax’s transformation into the show’s depiction of him.

Additionally, Gabriella Pession, the actress portraying Antonia in the production, shared that she drew from various historical Patrician women to shape her character. Her interpretation was influenced by Livia Drusilla, the spouse of Octavian; Messalina and Agrippina the Younger, who were Emperor Claudius’ third and fourth wives respectively; and Poppaea Sabina, one of Nero’s consorts (NBC).

Which characters are inspired by real people in Those About to Die?

Vespasian, Titus, Domitian, and Scorpus are based on real people in Those About to Die.

In historical records, Vespasian marked the end of the Year of the Four Roman Emperors. A skilled military leader, Vespasian claimed the throne with the aid of his armies. He established the Flavian Dynasty and reigned for a decade from 69 AD to 79 AD. Following his ascension to power, he initiated numerous projects and financial adjustments that fostered political tranquility.

In the production, Anthony Hopkins portrays Emperor Vespasian who has ruled for a decade. He’s currently pondering over which of his two sons, Titus or Domitian, will succeed him on the throne.

During his time, Titus held the position of a military leader, while Domitian excelled as a politician and organizer of Roman spectacles. Later on, both men ascended to the imperial throne. Nevertheless, Titus became emperor following Vespasian’s demise, and it was after Titus’s death that Domitian claimed the throne.

Regarding Scorpus, historically, he was a well-known chariot racer in Rome’s grand Circulus Maximus arena. During his lifetime, he achieved fame and recognition.

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2024-07-18 15:18