Historical Figure
Commodus
d. 192
Roman emperor from 177 to 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Artifacts (15)
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