Age: 36
male
Lorenzo Richelmy (born March 25, 1990) is an Italian actor who achieved global recognition for his lead role as the titular explorer in the Netflix historical epic series Marco Polo (2014–2016). A graduate of the prestigious Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, he became the youngest student ever admitted to the institution at age 16. Before his international breakthrough, he established himself in Italian cinema and television, notably starring in the series I liceali and the award-winning film Il terzo tempo. Following his success in Hollywood, Richelmy returned to Europe to star in diverse projects, including the mystery thriller The Girl in the Fog (2017) alongside Toni Servillo and the action-comedy Ride (2018).
Marius begins his story as a soldier having just successfully completed his training, who is about to leave Rome to serve his duty in the relatively sedate II Legion, holding a post in peaceful Alexandria. Just before his deployment, he enjoys a return to his family in Rome and the adulation of his father Leontius, a former general and current member of the Roman Senate. Marius' visit is cut short by a barbarian incursion; a running battle through the streets of Rome results in the death of his parents and younger sister. Commander Vitallion, a friend and former comrade of the slain Leontius, transfers Marius to his XIV Legion and promises Marius vengeance for his murdered family. Vitallion leads the XIV Legion to Britannia, but the fleet is ambushed off the coast; Marius leads the counter-attack, rallying the surviving Roman troops and nearly single-handedly preventing the destruction of the remainder of the fleet, which impresses Vitallion. Marius is promoted to Centurion.
