10 Surprising Facts About Commodus

Commodus was Emperor of Rome.

Commodus, whose full name was Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, was born on August 31, 161 AD, and ruled as Roman Emperor from 180 to 192 AD.

He was the son of Marcus Aurelius.

Commodus was the son of the famous Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, known for his philosophical writings in his work “Meditations.”

Commodus considered himself a gladiator.

One of Commodus’ most infamous traits was his fascination with gladiatorial combat. He often participated in gladiatorial matches, sometimes even killing his opponents.

He renamed Rome after himself.

In a display of his self-obsession, Commodus changed the name of Rome to “Colonia Commodiana” and renamed the months of the year after various titles he held.

Commodus claimed to be the reincarnation of Hercules.

Commodus saw himself as a divine figure and believed he was the earthly embodiment of the mythical hero Hercules. He would often dress as Hercules and perform feats of strength.

He engaged in lavish spending.

Commodus had a reputation for excessive spending and indulgence. He would throw extravagant parties, gamble excessively, and squander the empire’s wealth on personal desires.

Commodus was involved in the arena all too frequently.

Commodus had a passion for gladiatorial combat and would often participate in fights at the Colosseum. He even insisted on fighting wounded and disabled gladiators to secure an easy victory.

He faced several assassination attempts.

Due to his tyrannical rule and extravagant behavior, Commodus faced numerous assassination attempts. Some of these attempts were orchestrated by his own ministers and close advisers.

Commodus had a fascination with the god Neptune.

Commodus had an obsession with the sea god Neptune and believed he had a special connection with him. He would often take part in naval battles or reenact them for his own amusement.

Commodus’ reign marked the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire.

Commodus’ rule was marked by corruption, cruelty, and mismanagement. Historians often cite his reign as the start of the decline of the Roman Empire, leading to the eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire.

In conclusion, the 10 Surprising Facts About Commodus shed light on the life and reign of one of Rome’s most infamous emperors. From his obsession with gladiatorial combat to his delusions of grandeur, Commodus left a lasting impact on the history of the Roman Empire.

Conclusion

After exploring these 10 surprising facts about Commodus, it is clear that he was a complex and intriguing figure in Roman history. From his unconventional rule as a gladiator-emperor to his love for extravagant displays of power, Commodus left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire. Despite his controversial actions and questionable leadership, he managed to hold onto power for over a decade. Whether seen as a skilled politician, a tyrant, or a symbol of decadence, Commodus’ reign continues to capture the imagination of historians and enthusiasts alike. Ultimately, his reign serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of governance, and the lasting consequences of individual actions.

FAQs

Q: Who was Commodus?

A: Commodus was a Roman emperor who ruled from 180 to 192 AD. He was the son of Marcus Aurelius, the renowned philosopher-emperor.

Q: How did Commodus come to power?

A: Upon the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius, Commodus succeeded him as emperor. He was the first Roman emperor to inherit the throne from his father.

Q: Why is Commodus known as a gladiator-emperor?

A: Commodus had a strong fascination with gladiators and often participated in gladiatorial combat himself. He saw himself as the reincarnation of the legendary Roman hero Hercules.

Q: Did Commodus have any notable achievements?

A: While Commodus is often remembered for his eccentricities, he did have some military successes, including campaigns against Germanic tribes. He also implemented various reforms during his reign.

Q: What led to Commodus’ downfall?

A: Commodus’ autocratic rule, excessive spending, and lack of interest in governance eventually led to his downfall. He faced several assassination attempts and was ultimately murdered by his own advisors.

Q: How long did Commodus rule?

A: Commodus ruled for over 12 years, from 180 to 192 AD.

Q: What impact did Commodus have on the Roman Empire?

A: Commodus’ rule is often seen as a decline in the prestige and power of the Roman Empire. His extravagant spending and disregard for governance weakened the empire and set the stage for future instability.

Q: How was Commodus viewed by the people of Rome?

A: Commodus initially enjoyed popularity among the Roman people due to his generous public displays and gladiatorial performances. However, as his reign progressed, his despotic tendencies and extravagance turned public opinion against him.

Q: Are there any movies or books about Commodus?

A: Yes, Commodus has been depicted in popular culture, notably in the 2000 film “Gladiator” starring Russell Crowe. Various historical books also explore his reign and life.

Q: What is the legacy of Commodus?

A: Commodus is remembered as a symbol of decadence and decline in Roman history. His reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked power and the potential downfall of a once-great empire.