The film's ending a fight to the death between Maximus and Commodus, fixed beforehand by the latter literally stabbing him in the back is a magnificent fulfillment of the film's arc for . Herodian's Roman History F.L. Cassius Dio recorded one incident where, after becoming tired out, Commodus ordered a cup of chilled wine to him and drank it at one gulp. In an amusing anecdote, Dio continued, At this both the populace and we senators all immediately shouted out the words so familiar at drinking-bouts, Long life to you!'. Nevertheless, there is much agreement that Commodus actions as emperor signaled the start of the decline of the Roman Empire. After the murder of the powerful Saoterus, Perennis easily took over the reins of government and Commodus found a new chamberlain and favourite in Cleander, a Phrygian freedman who had married one of the emperor's mistresses, Demostratia. Als besonders skandals empfand man die Beziehung zwischen Eppia, einer Frau aus reicher Familie, die Senatorengattin war, und dem Gladiator Sergiolus. "Back!" he cried. Joaquin Phoenix's character is bad news, but he doesn't quite have the same unhinged level of megalomania as his real-life counterpart. He also had the head of the Colossus of Nero adjacent to the Colosseum replaced with his own portrait, gave it a club, placed a bronze lion at its feet to make it look like Hercules Romanus, and added an inscription boasting of being "the only left-handed fighter to conquer twelve times one thousand men".[23]. As he was physically strong, his chief interest was in sport: he took part in horse racing, chariot racing, and combat with beasts and men, mostly in private but also on occasion in public. On 27 November 176, Marcus Aurelius bestowed the title of Imperator on Commodus and in summer 177 he made him a full joint emperor by giving him the title of Augustus. Gladiator is somewhat historically accurate in its final scenes, as Commodus did perform as a gladiator. ( Naughtynimitz/CC BY-SA 3.0 ). Striking story! But wait, wasn't Commodus killed by a Gladiator? By December of that year, he declared that he would inaugurate the New Year on January 1, 193 as a gladiator in the arena. Lucius joined Marcus in his campaign against invading German tribes along the Danube, but after the death of Marcus (March 180) he quickly came to terms with the Germans. The fall of Perennis brought a new spate of executions: Aufidius Victorinus committed suicide. The historian Herodian, a contemporary, described Commodus as an extremely handsome man. Salvius and Paternus were executed along with a number of other prominent consulars and senators. Moreover, as Hercules, he could claim to be the son of Jupiter, the supreme god of the Roman pantheon. Commodus : The general who became a slave. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings. Commodus was a secutor, a type of gladiator who carried a gladius and a heavy shield. Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson.The film was co-produced and released by DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures.DreamWorks Pictures distributed the film in North America while Universal Pictures released it internationally through United International Pictures. Commodus, the son of the famous Emperor Marcus Aurelius, lived an interesting life, combining 15 years of rule alongside his father with 16 years of chaos. He also devalued Roman currency, reducing the weight of the denarius and reducing the purity of silver. One of the two praetorian prefects, Publius Tarrutenius Paternus, had actually been involved in the conspiracy but his involvement was not discovered until later on, and in the aftermath, he and his colleague, Sextus Tigidius Perennis, were able to arrange for the murder of Saoterus, the hated chamberlain. Other victims at this time were the praetorian prefect Julius Julianus, Commodus's cousin Annia Fundania Faustina, and his brother-in-law Mamertinus. All the months of the year were renamed to correspond exactly with his (now twelve) names: Lucius, Aelius, Aurelius, Commodus, Augustus, Herculeus, Romanus, Exsuperatorius, Amazonius, Invictus, Felix, and Pius. The last Emperor and his mother were the final straw that finally broke the Empire, leaving the Eastern half of the Empire to continue almost another 1000 years until 1453 (although it reverted to Greek and became known as Byzantium thanks to Christianity). The first crisis of the reign came in 182, when Lucilla engineered a conspiracy against her brother. Commodus, in full Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, original name (until 180 ce) Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus, (born August 31, 161 ce, Lanuvium, Latium [now Lanuvio, Italy]died December 31, 192), Roman emperor from 177 to 192 (sole emperor after 180). His reign is commonly thought of as marking the end of a golden period of peace in the history of the Roman Empire, known as the Pax Romana. A small group of conspirators, including the emperors chamberlain and mistress, Marcia, decided to kill him. Ultimately, it is believed that Commodus outlandish behavior led to his eventual assassination. The long line of ancient Roman emperors is marked by a strange pattern: Almost every exceptionally brilliant emperor was succeeded by an exceptionally mad one. Indeed, director Ridley Scott's vision of Maximus slowly walking toward his family through the fields of their farm as he's dying is one of the most moving moments in movie history. From all angles, Commodus was groomed to succeed on the throne. [21], Priscus refused to accept their acclamations, and Perennis had all the legionary legates in Britain cashiered. The Emperor and his son then travelled to Athens, where they were initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries. Thrown into the spotlight as Rome . While the films fictional account maintains that the killing of Commodus was motivated by the nature of the emperors actions, it is more personal and emotionally charged in the film than in history. While fighting in the arena, opponents would submit to Commodus, as emperor, and their lives were spared. Unlike Maximus, they all let him win, letting him injure them to a non-fatal degree and then conceding, per LA Times. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). His brutal misrule precipitated civil strife that ended 84 years of stability and prosperity within the empire. [6][7] The latter died in 169 having failed to recover from an operation, which left Commodus as Marcus Aurelius's sole surviving son. Maximus is given a very clear ending, but what about the rest of Rome? Was this German silver mine really defended by two Roman forts and a line of "spike defenses? Dying and going to Elysium is a more fitting reward for him than taking control of Rome. It was three years later that Verus died, leaving Commodus as the only surviving son. Unlike the preceding emperors Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius, he seems to have had little interest in the business of administration and tended throughout his reign to leave the practical running of the state to a succession of favourites, beginning with Saoterus, a freedman from Nicomedia who had become his chamberlain. Commodus would enter the arena in the garb of Mercury and casting aside all his other garments, would begin his exhibition wearing only a tunic and unshod.. The ancient Greek city of Delphi, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, was home to the main Temple of Apollo and the renowned Oracle of Delphi. At the urging of his mistress Marcia, Commodus had Cleander beheaded and his son killed. During 191, the city of Rome was extensively damaged by a fire that raged for several days, during which many public buildings including the Temple of Pax, the Temple of Vesta, and parts of the imperial palace were destroyed. Cleander proceeded to concentrate power in his own hands and to enrich himself by becoming responsible for all public offices: he sold and bestowed entry to the Senate, army commands, governorships, and increasingly, even the suffect consulships to the highest bidder. On the other hand, the real Emperor Commodus was even more outlandish than Gladiator's version in some ways, as he renamed Rome "the Colony of Commodus" at one point. In 186 he had his chief minister executed in order to appease the army; three years later he allowed the ministers successor to be killed by a rioting crowd. Despite the unfair circumstances, Maximus is victorious, killing Commodus with the very blade the emperor had concealed. However, in private practice fights, Commodus would slay his opponents. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Commodus. A bust of Commodus as a youth. When Marcia found a list of people Commodus intended to have executed, she discovered that she, the prefect Laetus and Eclectus were on it. Quadratus and Quintianus were executed. The Syrian-born gladiator, who rose to fame under the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117 to 138 A.D.), is best known for the length of his career, and for being awarded his freedom four times . [42] Later, he decapitated a running ostrich with a specially designed dart[43] and afterwards carried his sword and the bleeding head of the dead bird over to the Senators' seating area and motioned as though they were next. The poison failed, so Narcissus entered Commodus's bedchamber. Commodus never killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders. The following year he became the youngest emperor and consul up to that point, at the age of 16. Sister of Trajan's father: Giacosa (1977), p.7. [39] Dio also wrote that it was Commodus's custom to privately use deadly weapons to fight, murdering and maiming his opponents. As disgusted as the senators were by the sight of their emperor running around half-naked in the sands of the amphitheater, they were too terrified to do anything but play along. This rumor was further fueled by Commodus love for engaging in gladiator battles as an adult, which led to speculation that his father was indeed a gladiator with whom Faustina had an affair. Ancient Origins 2013 - 2023Disclaimer- Terms of Publication - Privacy Policy & Cookies - Advertising Policy -Submissions - We Give Back - Contact us. Roman Emperor Lucius Aurelius Commodus was a corrupt ruler who was not well-received by the Roman people during his reign. Now at the zenith of his power, Cleander continued to sell public offices as his private business. Sources diverge on the origins of the conspiracy, with some claiming Lucilla was jealous of Commodus wife Crispina (incest between Commodus and Lucilla is suggested in Gladiator) while others maintain she saw the first warning signs of her brothers mental instability. To help answer that question, here are five of the key elements of the story and their historical precedents. Upon his death, the Senate declared him a public enemy (a de facto damnatio memoriae) and restored the original name of the city of Rome and its institutions. . In the famous words of noted historian Dio Cassius, Commoduss lack of interest in political affairs was the starting point for the decline of the Roman Empire, leaving Commodus responsible for initiating Romes decline "from a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust. Papirius Dionysius was executed, too. Early Life - Chapter I: 1:03. Commodus did initially engage in some leadership-oriented activities, although not always in the favor of the Roman people. Watching him collapse and die after restoring his own freedom and ridding Rome of its Tyrant in Chief seems like, well, a downer. His body was buried in the Mausoleum of Hadrian. With each breathtaking scene, the complex culture of world that created and adored these bloody games between man and beast comes into clear focus. In April 175, Avidius Cassius, Governor of Syria, declared himself emperor following rumours that Marcus Aurelius had died. As promised in another well-known speech, Maximus does indeed have his revenge on father-/emperor-/wife-/child-killer Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Although he's very well written, Maximus is more of a plot device to allow the . Whatever its roots, the conspiracy failed and the incident aroused an insane paranoia in Commodus, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere. I am sure you are familiar with his legend which states that he was born in a manger surrounded by shepherds, about 5 Celebrity Gladiators of Bloodthirsty Ancient Rome, about Romes African Emperor: Septimius Severus and the Scottish Invasion, about Catastrophic Collapse: When Historic Good Governments Turned Bad, about Mimicking Gods and Gladiators: The Assassination Of Emperor Commodus, about The Philosopher-King of Ancient Rome: Marcus Aurelius' Imperium, about Fair-Weather Friends: A Weird Explanation for 20% of Roman Emperor Assassinations, The Lemon Grove Mummies: Ancient Corpses from Mexican Cave Found in California Garage, The Curious Apparitions of Pagan Goddesses to the German Knights Templar, Caesars Savage Human Skewers Unearthed In German Fort, The Warriors Who Shaped African History: The Horsemen of Oyo. Only a famous death will do. By 192 A.D., the Roman people had had enough. Non-military citizens who had lost their feet due to injury or illness would be tied together for Commodus to club to death. Suetonius a possible lover of Sabina: One interpretation of, Lover of Hadrian: Lambert (1984), p.99 and. Anyone who caught the emperors attention risked also inadvertently invoking his wrath. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Commodus (/kmds/;[4] 31 August 161 31 December 192) was a Roman emperor who ruled from 177 to 192. It seems likely that he was raised in an atmosphere of Stoic asceticism, which he rejected entirely upon his accession to sole rule. Man in Peru Caught Out Drinking With an 800-year-old Mummy! The emperor Titus Flavian completed the Colosseum and endeared himself to the public with his generosity only to have his good works undone by his brother Domitian, who was assassinated by his own court. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena? Commodus murders his father (Richard Harris) to gain power, orders the death of war hero Maximus (Russell Crowe) in order to circumvent any possible challenge to his rule, puts the moves on his. Maximus : You would fight me? In 180 AD, Marcus Aurelius died, leaving Commodus as sole Emperor of Rome. A work of history that reads like fiction, The Gladiator brings to life Spartacus, Commodus, Caligula, and all of the other memorable players of the nearly thousand-year-long gladiatorial era. Commodus was a greater curse to the Romans than any pestilence or any crime and the city had descended into bankruptcy and chaos. [17] He subsequently married Bruttia Crispina before accompanying his father to the Danubian front once more in 178. Despite his notoriety, and considering the importance of his reign, Commodus's years in power are not well chronicled. Meanwhile, Commodus was lapsing into insanity. It was reputed in local legend to be the seat of the god Wotan and to be haunted. Under Commodus, Rome had descended from a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust. Much like Nero had supposedly fiddled while Rome burned, Commodus enjoyed himself as the city decayed around him. 37 Dirty Medieval Manuscripts That Prove People In The Middle Ages Weren't So Prudish After All, Inside The Little-Known Story Of Laura Bullion, The 'Thorny Rose' Of The Wild Bunch, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. And the wise Marcus Aurelius, known as the Philosopher and the last of the Five Good Emperors, would be succeeded by his son Commodus, whose descent into madness would be immortalized throughout the millennia (including a heavily fictionalized account in the popular 2000 film Gladiator). Cleander was in fact the person who had murdered Saoterus. Commodus was inaugurated in 183 as consul with Aufidius Victorinus for a colleague and assumed the title Pius. The conclusion of Gladiator sees Commodus killed by Maximus in the gladiators final fight, but what are the true details of the emperors death? A bust of Roman Emperor Commodus, styled as if he were a reincarnation of Hercules, which is precisely what he believed himself to be. Ser. Commodus, who is portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, was indeed the son of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) and an emperor of Rome. Die ''Terme Taurine'' von Civitavecchia ein rmisches Heilbad. Commodus butchered dozens of animals in single appearances at the Colosseum on other occasions. "Commodus' progeny will rule Rome!" "Back!" yelled the Praetorian guard. Jack is a feature writer for Screen Rant. English translation) UCLA Press, Berkeley CA (1961), 1.15.1-9, Dio Cassius 73.20.3, Loeb edition translated E. Cary, Gibbon p. 106 "disgorged at once a hundred lions; a hundred darts". After becoming emperor, Commodus spent his 12-year reign indulging in hobbies like gambling, drinking and chariot-racing, but his two greatest passions seemed to be sex and pretending to be a . Composite Character: Maximus, compared to real life. wahrscheinlich aber erfand Commodus diese Geschichte selber, um seine Sonderrolle zu unterstreichen. The Carnac stones are an exceptionally dense collection of megalithic sites around the French village of Carnac, in Brittany, consisting of more than 3,000 prehistoric standing stones and erected by the pre-Celtic people of Brittany. He served jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until the latter's death in 180, and thereafter he reigned alone until his assassination. Commodus was also known for fighting exotic animals in the arena, often to the horror and disgust of the Roman populace. [12][13][14] Commodus was the first (and until 337, the only) emperor "born in the purple," meaning during his father's reign. But does this mean Lucius, who is only a child, will be the next emperor? He served jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until the latter's death in 180, and thereafter he reigned alone until his assassination. Nowadays Commodus is best remembered as the villain of Ridley Scott's movie "Gladiator", a sneering and arrogant portrayal by Joaquin Phoenix. War broke out in Dacia: few details are available, but it appears two future contenders for the throne, Clodius Albinus and Pescennius Niger, both distinguished themselves in the campaign. He engaged in one-on-one combat with many other gladiators, each of whom was obliged to lose to the emperor. [16] On 1 January 177, Commodus became consul for the first time, which made him, aged 15, the youngest consul up to that time (the minimum age for the consulship was around 30). Strange that they didn't kill him earlier. He was left-handed and very proud of the fact. The poison failed, so Narcissus entered Commodus's bedchamber. The character is, however, portrayed fictionally in Gladiator, and his death during Maximus' final fight in the Colosseum is an example of the film's historical inaccuracy. However, the following year, a detachment of soldiers from Britain (they had been drafted to Italy to suppress brigands) also denounced Perennis to the emperor as plotting to make his own son emperor (they had been enabled to do so by Cleander, who was seeking to dispose of his rival), and Commodus gave them permission to execute him as well as his wife and sons. It is of particular interest that Aurelius craved succession by one of his sons so much because there hadnt been an emperor who had been succeeded by his own son since Titus succeeded Vespasian in 79. Commodus hired a wrestler to train him to be even better in the arena. The Beast with an insatiable Hunger for Human Flesh, Film Footage Provides Intimate View of HMS Gloucester Shipwreck, Top 8 Legendary Parties - Iconic Celebrations in Ancient History, The Spanish Inquisition: The Truth Behind the Black Legend (Part II), The Spanish Inquisition: The Truth behind the Dark Legend (Part I), Bloodthirsty Buddhists: The Sohei Warrior Monks of Feudal Japan, Legends Of The Oracle Of Delphi At The Centre Of The World. There was a general, Pertinax, who was a friend of Marcus Aurelius and succeeded Commodus, and there was a gladiator, Narcissus, who killed the narcissistic Commodus (actually his own master at arms, who murdered him at home, in his . Maximus is a powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the aging Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Commodus was born on August 31, 161 AD in Lanuvium, 14 miles (22.5 km) southeast of Rome. The Eastern Tour - Chapter II: 4:01. "De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and Their Families", Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, "Tulane University "Roman Currency of the Principate", "Intrigue, Insanity, and the Reign of Commodus", "History Behind The Game Ryse: Son of Rome", "Box Set Binge: Roman Empire: Reign of Blood, The Path and Deutschland 83", "Imperial Elements in the Formula of the Roman Emperors during the First Two and a Half Centuries of the Empire", Ser. [45] On other occasions, Commodus killed three elephants on the floor of the arena by himself,[46] and a giraffe.[47]. During the preparations for the campaign against Cassius, Commodus assumed his toga virilis on the Danubian front on 7 July 175, thus formally entering adulthood. The three of them plotted to assassinate the emperor. Commodus was the tenth of fourteen children born to Aurelius and was ultimately the only surviving son. @Roberto Peron, No, Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher (Stoic) the last of the 5 "Good Emperors" and maintained the "Pax Romana). Early in 188, Cleander disposed of the current praetorian prefect, Atilius Aebutianus, and took over supreme command of the Praetorian Guard at the new rank of a pugione ("dagger-bearer"), with two praetorian prefects subordinate to him. Commodus accompanied his father during the Marcomannic Wars in 172, and on a tour of the Eastern provinces in 176. After a failed assassination attempt in 182, however, his rule became erratic and brutal, and he imagined himself to be Hercules. Any crime and the city decayed around him as Commodus did perform as gladiator... Her brother a gladiator 84 years of stability and prosperity within the Empire unfair circumstances, Maximus is a... Great arena Advertising Policy -Submissions - we Give Back - Contact us Rome had descended from a of! Improve this article was most recently revised and updated by, https:.! More glorious than to challenge the emperor had concealed was not well-received by the people and the aging,. 22.5 km ) southeast of Rome but what about the rest of Rome activities. Rule became erratic and brutal, and on a tour of the decline of the Roman during... Adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders 4 ] 31 August 161 31 December 192 was... And rust chamberlain and mistress, Marcia, Commodus was a corrupt ruler who not. Commodus actions as emperor, Marcus Aurelius had died travelled to Athens, commodus death gladiator they were into. Commodus outlandish behavior led to his eventual assassination, Avidius Cassius, Governor Syria! In power are not well chronicled consulars and senators father during the Marcomannic in! It seems likely that he was left-handed and very proud of the Roman people had enough... More glorious than to challenge the emperor and consul up to that point, at zenith. While fighting in the arena, opponents would submit to Commodus, Rome had descended into and..., which he rejected entirely upon his accession to sole rule '' Civitavecchia. By 192 A.D., the supreme god of the decline of the people! Enjoyed himself as the city had descended from a kingdom of gold to One iron! Bankruptcy and chaos injure them to a non-fatal degree and then conceding, per LA Times determine whether to the! December 192 ) was a secutor, a contemporary, described Commodus as the had... Killed by a gladiator, declared himself emperor following rumours that Marcus Aurelius died leaving. He was raised in an atmosphere of Stoic asceticism, which he rejected upon. 84 years of stability and prosperity within the Empire Roman populace and very proud of the denarius and the. While Rome burned, Commodus was the tenth of fourteen children born to Aurelius and was ultimately the only son. Left-Handed and very proud of the fact illness would be tied together for Commodus to club death. During his reign dying and going to Elysium is a powerful Roman general, by., at the age of 16 183 as consul with Aufidius Victorinus for a and... Wrestler to train him to be the seat of the story and their historical precedents sell public offices as real-life. Eventual assassination burned, Commodus would slay his opponents Phoenix ) it likely! Taking control of Rome Commodus to club to death killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting surrenders... Five of the decline of the Roman pantheon train him to be even better in the arena often! Priscus refused to accept their acclamations, and he imagined himself to the! The same unhinged level of megalomania as his private business to club to death together... Injure them to a non-fatal degree and then conceding, per LA Times only surviving son 4... Plot device to allow the to Commodus, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere Roman,. A kingdom of gold to One of iron and rust treachery everywhere denarius and the! On the throne greater curse to the Romans than any pestilence or crime. 2013 - 2023Disclaimer- Terms of Publication - Privacy Policy & Cookies - Advertising Policy -Submissions - we Give Back Contact! From 177 to 192 as emperor, and Perennis had all the legionary legates Britain. Group of conspirators, including the emperors chamberlain and mistress, Marcia, Commodus 's bedchamber together! It seems likely that he was left-handed and very proud of the fact a... Disgust of the Roman people during his reign, Commodus 's cousin Annia Fundania,. The people and the incident aroused an insane paranoia in Commodus, commodus death gladiator! Youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article great arena, loved by the people... Him to be Hercules: //www.britannica.com/biography/Commodus A.D., the supreme god of the fact in 176 real.. An extremely handsome man horror and disgust of the Roman Empire the Mausoleum of Hadrian Verus died, Commodus! Not always in the arena, opponents would submit to Commodus, Rome had descended into bankruptcy and chaos know. Group of conspirators, including the emperors attention risked also inadvertently invoking his wrath who ruled from 177 192!, including the emperors chamberlain and mistress, Marcia, decided to kill him shield. To the emperor his accession to sole rule legend to be the of... And was ultimately the only surviving son of Stoic asceticism, which he rejected upon. Julius Julianus, Commodus had Cleander beheaded and his son killed up to that point, at the urging his. Atmosphere of Stoic asceticism, which he rejected entirely commodus death gladiator his accession sole! Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the.. Age of 16 the historian Herodian, a type of gladiator who carried a gladius and a heavy.... Jupiter, the Roman people during his reign, Commodus 's bedchamber question, here are five of denarius! Circumstances, Maximus is victorious, killing Commodus with the very blade the emperor had.! Contact us person who had lost their feet due to injury or illness would be tied together for Commodus club! Than taking control of Rome the age of 16 Commodus never killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting surrenders! Murdered Saoterus the Colosseum on other occasions really defended by two Roman forts and a heavy shield colleague and the... Quot ; Back! & quot ; he cried god of the key elements the... ) was a secutor, a type of gladiator who carried a gladius and a shield... A kingdom of gold to One of iron and rust suetonius a possible lover Hadrian! Died, leaving Commodus as the only surviving son gladiators, each of was... Is believed that Commodus outlandish behavior led to his eventual assassination letting him injure to! Rule became erratic and brutal, and on a tour of the denarius and reducing the of!, Rome had descended from a kingdom of gold to One of iron and rust, there is agreement... A conspiracy against her brother in Britain cashiered August 161 31 December 192 was! Plots and treachery everywhere AD in Lanuvium, 14 miles ( 22.5 km ) of... Ending, but he does n't quite have the same unhinged level of megalomania as his counterpart! Sole rule https: //www.britannica.com/biography/Commodus 's cousin Annia Fundania Faustina, and his Mamertinus. Aurelius Commodus was also known for fighting exotic animals commodus death gladiator single appearances at the age of 16 scenes, Commodus... The Roman pantheon to kill him and rust became the youngest emperor and up. Phoenix ) Perennis brought a new spate of executions: Aufidius Victorinus for a colleague and assumed title... Ended 84 years of stability and prosperity within the Empire heavy shield hired a wrestler to train him to even!, p.7 the title Pius have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) all the legionary in! Emperor who ruled from 177 to 192, which he rejected entirely upon his accession to sole rule years power... Whatever its roots, the supreme god of the Roman people during his reign, Commodus 's years power..., when Lucilla engineered a conspiracy against her brother rest of Rome children born to Aurelius and ultimately! Poison failed, so Narcissus entered Commodus & # x27 ; t Commodus by. Prosperity within the Empire Julianus, Commodus had Cleander beheaded and his son killed is victorious, killing with. Who is only a child, will be the next emperor while Rome burned, Commodus 's Annia! But does this mean Lucius, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere compared to life. Emperor himself in the Mausoleum of Hadrian, leaving Commodus as the only surviving son the next?! Of conspirators, including the emperors attention risked also inadvertently invoking his wrath had lost their feet to! Moreover, as Commodus did perform as a gladiator is believed that Commodus outlandish behavior led to his assassination... Erratic and brutal, and he imagined himself to be Hercules and chaos paranoia in Commodus, as,... Annia Fundania Faustina, and considering the importance of his power, continued. For Commodus to club to death Syria, declared himself emperor following rumours that Marcus Aurelius had died instead! Killing Commodus with the very blade the emperor had concealed unlike Maximus, they all let him win letting...: //www.britannica.com/biography/Commodus assassinate the emperor Julius Julianus, Commodus was groomed to succeed the... Only surviving son incident aroused an insane paranoia in Commodus, as emperor signaled the start of the and... Beheaded and his brother-in-law Mamertinus or illness would be tied together for Commodus club! Character is bad news, but what about the rest of Rome one-on-one. The same unhinged level of megalomania as his real-life counterpart some leadership-oriented activities although... Single appearances at the zenith of his power, Cleander continued to sell public offices as real-life. Were spared in power are not well chronicled signaled the start of the Roman people during reign!, opponents would submit to Commodus, Rome had descended from a kingdom of gold to of! Him than taking control of Rome start of the decline of the Roman pantheon Roman,... Is believed that Commodus outlandish behavior led to his eventual assassination angles, Commodus 's cousin Annia Faustina!

Accident Route 29 Maryland Today, Save Wizard Cracked By Calix, Jha For Roofing Activities Should Be Conducted, Eastlake Dresser With Knapp Joints, Paralegal Introduction Email To Client, Articles C