Emperor Commodus: Gladiator, Death, & Decline of Rome

The life of Emperor Commodus, whose full name was Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, is one of the most intriguing and tumultuous stories in the annals of Roman history. He is remembered as a ruler whose reign marked a turning point in the decline of the Roman Empire.

Born on August 31, 161 AD, Commodus was the son of the revered Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger. His life, marked by extravagance, brutality, and a unique fondness for gladiatorial combat, is a testament to the complex nature of power and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Early Life and Education

Commodus was born during a period of relative stability in the Roman Empire. His father, Marcus Aurelius, is celebrated as one of the “Five Good Emperors,” known for his wisdom, stoic philosophy, and commitment to the well-being of his people. As a result, Commodus received a privileged upbringing, being exposed to the best education and character training available in Rome. He was taught by some of the finest tutors and learned about philosophy, rhetoric, and the art of statesmanship.

However, Commodus’s early years also witnessed the gradual erosion of Roman political and economic stability. The empire was stretched to its limits, facing external threats from Germanic tribes, the Parthians, and the Bubonic Plague, which further destabilized the social fabric of the empire. This environment would significantly influence the young heir’s future actions and decisions as a ruler.

Rise to Power

Commodus ascended to the throne at the tender age of 18, following his father’s death in 180 AD. At the outset, his reign gave rise to hope and optimism among the people due to his imperial lineage and youth. The Senate initially welcomed him as the new emperor. However, it quickly became apparent that his rule would be far from the continuation of his father’s philosophically informed and steady governance.

A Reign of Extravagance

Commodus’s reign was marked by an unprecedented degree of extravagance. He indulged in a lifestyle of luxury, debauchery, and excess that far exceeded the norms even among the Roman elite. His appetite for lavish banquets, exotic pets, and extravagant entertainments quickly drained the treasury and alienated many of the senators who had initially supported his rule.

Perhaps the most infamous of Commodus’s extravagances was his love for gladiatorial combat. He frequently entered the arena to fight as a gladiator, a practice that was seen as beneath the dignity of an emperor. This disregard for traditional Roman values and the degradation of the imperial office left a profound mark on his legacy.

Commodus: Gladiator Emperor

Commodus’s fascination with gladiatorial combat was deeply perplexing to contemporary Romans. He viewed himself as the reincarnation of Hercules, adorning himself in the attire and attributes of the mythical hero. His frequent appearances in the arena, fighting against slaves and criminals, were seen as a symbol of his disregard for the Roman aristocracy and the sanctity of the imperial office.

The arena was no place for an emperor, and this behavior drew the disdain of both the Senate and the people. It was a stark departure from the dignity and statesmanship that had characterized his father’s rule. Furthermore, it further drained the treasury, as the extravagant spectacles were costly to organize.

Political Machinations and Brutality

While Commodus was busy playing the role of a gladiator, Rome was left in the hands of corrupt and ruthless advisors who exploited the power vacuum left by the emperor’s obsession with the arena. His administration was marked by nepotism and the promotion of unqualified individuals to positions of authority. The imperial bureaucracy descended into chaos, and corruption became rampant.

Commodus’s rule was also marked by a series of brutal purges and persecutions, resulting in the deaths of many prominent Romans. The Senate, in particular, bore the brunt of his cruelty. He saw them as a threat to his power and sought to diminish their influence through a campaign of terror. His actions further undermined the traditional authority of the Senate, which had been a cornerstone of Roman governance for centuries.

The Decline of Rome

The consequences of Commodus’ disastrous reign had a profound impact on the Roman Empire. The treasury was depleted, the army demoralized, and the imperial bureaucracy corrupted beyond repair. External threats from barbarian invasions in the north and east continued to mount. The once-mighty Roman Empire was in decline.

How Did Emperor Commodus Die?

In 192 AD, a conspiracy emerged to assassinate Commodus, spearheaded by a group of senators who had grown weary of his excesses and cruelty. The plot succeeded, and Commodus was strangled by the athlete Narcissus while taking a bath, a somewhat comical coincidence, given the emperor’s chronic narcissistic tendencies. His death marked the end of the Antonine dynasty and initiated a period of short-lived and ineffective emperors, further accelerating the decline of the Roman Empire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emperor Commodus

Who was Commodus?

Commodus, whose full name was Lucius Aurelius Commodus, was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 180 to 192 AD. He was the son of the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius, and he is known for his controversial and extravagant rule.

What is Commodus most known for?

Commodus is most known for his eccentric behavior and participation in gladiatorial contests. He believed he was the reincarnation of the god Hercules, and his enthusiasm for gladiatorial combat was highly unusual for a Roman emperor.

Was Commodus a good or bad emperor?

Commodus is generally regarded as a bad emperor due to his erratic behavior, excessive spending, and disregard for the responsibilities of ruling the Roman Empire. His reign was marked by corruption and extravagance.

Why was Commodus assassinated?

Commodus was assassinated because of his tyrannical rule and the unrest he caused in the Roman Empire. His actions and decisions led to numerous plots against him, including a conspiracy involving members of his own court.

How old was Commodus when he died?

Commodus died at the relatively young age of 31 in 192 AD. His death marked the end of the Antonine dynasty.

Who ruled Rome after Commodus?

After Commodus’ death, the Roman Empire experienced a year of chaos, with several short-lived emperors. Eventually, Septimius Severus emerged as a powerful ruler in 193 AD.

Did Commodus fight in the Colosseum?

Yes, Commodus was known for participating in gladiatorial contests in the Colosseum, which was highly unconventional for a Roman emperor. He saw himself as the “Hercules Romanus” and sought to prove his prowess in the arena, although he often battled against less skilled opponents (or even crippled) to ensure his victories.

How did Commodus end the war?

Commodus ended the Marcomannic Wars by negotiating a peace treaty with the Marcomanni and the Quadi tribes, against the impassionate advice of his senior generals who had served Commodus’ father for 14 years to win the war. Upon sealing the treaty, Commodus promptly left for Rome to celebrate a triumph in honor of this “glorious achievement.”

What happened to the empire after Commodus died?

After Commodus’ death, the Roman Empire went through a period of political instability, marked by a series of short-lived emperors and power struggles. It wasn’t until Septimius Severus’ rise to power that stability was restored.

How accurate was the Gladiator movie?

The movie “Gladiator” took creative liberties with historical events and characters for entertainment purposes. While it captured the essence of the Roman era, many aspects of the plot were fictional, such as the dramatic portrayal of Commodus as a gladiatorial combatant. In reality, while Commodus did participate in such contests, the film’s depiction of his fights and the circumstances leading up to them were dramatized for cinematic effect.

Additionally, the character of Maximus, while inspired by real historical figures, was a composite character, and his story was a product of artistic imagination.

What was Commodus poisoned with?

Commodus is said to have been poisoned with wine or beef, but the attempt failed, as he vomited up the poison. Various accounts suggest different poisons, but there is no definitive evidence.

Was Commodus narcissistic?

Yes, Commodus most definitely exhibited narcissistic traits through his extravagant self-image, belief in his divine heritage (think “Hercules Romanus”), and obsession with personal glory.

Why did Marcus Aurelius choose Commodus?

It would be natural to think that Marcus Aurelius chose Commodus as his successor because he was his biological son and wanted to continue the Antonine dynasty’s rule, despite concerns about Commodus’ character. Wretched or not, Commodus was still Aurelius’ son. Fear of sparking a civil war might also have added to his decision, although we can never be sure.

This is in fact one of the largest controversies that has brought the most pain to historians devoted to virtue: Why, oh why couldn’t Marcus Aurelius have chosen another successor to the throne than Commodus?

Fictional Diary Entry from Commodus: The Divine Hercules

Date: July 15, 185 AD

Ah, another splendid day in the life of the greatest being to ever grace the Earth – Emperor Commodus, the divine Hercules incarnate! The world awakens to my magnificence, and the mere mortals can only dream of touching the hem of my golden robe.

As I rose from my slumber, the sun itself seemed to hesitate, waiting for me to bless the day with my presence. The sight of my reflection in the mirror was enough to make even Narcissus envious. My divine countenance, sculpted by the gods themselves, radiates a beauty that could bring tears to the eyes of statues.

The masses whispered my name as I graced the imperial palace with my divine footsteps. “Commodus, Hercules, Savior of Rome!” they murmured. They knew not the privilege they had, witnessing my living legend.

The morning festivities were, of course, flawless. The games, the glory, and the adulation that only I, the divine Hercules, could command. The gladiators bowed before my might, humbled by the aura of invincibility I exuded. It was as if the heavens themselves bestowed me with divine gifts.

The Colosseum, an arena fit for a god, embraced my presence. The trembling gladiator who dared to challenge me was but a pawn in my grand performance. As I crushed him, the ground beneath me trembled, affirming my godhood. The crowd, those fortunate enough to witness me in the flesh, roared in ecstasy.

My advisors, mere mortals, attempted to offer counsel. How quaint. They cannot fathom that I am guided by a force beyond their comprehension, the divine spark of Hercules himself. Their voices fade into insignificance in the presence of a god.

In the solitude of my chambers, I retire, for even the divine must rest. It is there, in the serenity of my sanctum, that I acknowledge my true nature. I am not just a man; I am Hercules Romanus, the supreme deity of Ro… oops, no!… supreme ruler of COLONIA COMMODIANA.

This world is my playground, and I, Emperor Commodus, am its god. They shall come to understand, for I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the embodiment of perfection. Oh, how proud my father would have been if he could see me now!

Commodus, the universe’s most fortunate creation.