Commodus (d. 192)

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Biography

Commodus was Roman emperor from 177 to 192, first serving as nominal co-emperor under his father Marcus Aurelius and then ruling alone from 180. Commodus's sole reign is commonly thought to mark the end of the Pax Romana, a golden age of peace and prosperity in the history of the Roman Empire.

Timeline

The story of Commodus, told in moments.

176 Event

Marcus Aurelius granted his 15-year-old son the rank of Imperator, making him supreme commander of the Roman legions. The philosopher was grooming his opposite.

Supreme commander at fifteen. Were you ready or just compliant? Did your father see the philosopher's opposite, or refuse to?

180 Event

Became sole emperor at 18 when Marcus Aurelius died, likely of plague, near the Danube frontier. Commodus quickly abandoned his father's military campaigns and returned to Rome.

Abandoning your father's campaigns to return to Rome. Was that cowardice or clarity? Sole emperor at eighteen. Did power feel natural?

182 Life

Survived an assassination attempt by his sister Lucilla. She'd hired a senator to stab him in a theater hallway. The assassin shouted "Here is the dagger the Senate sends you" but botched the attack.

Your own sister tried to have you stabbed. Did trust die that day? The assassin shouted about the Senate. Was that a warning you heeded?

190 Event

Renamed Rome "Colonia Commodiana." Renamed the months after his own titles. Fought in the arena as a gladiator, killing ostriches and giraffes. Senators were charged 1 million sesterces per appearance to watch.

Fighting in the arena, killing ostriches. What were you proving? Renaming Rome after yourself. Was that ego or madness?

192 Death

Strangled in his bath by a wrestler named Narcissus. His mistress Marcia and the Praetorian prefect arranged it after finding their names on his execution list. He was 31.

Strangled in your bath by a wrestler. Did you see your name on that list? Your mistress arranged it. Was there anyone left to trust?

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