Facts
Of the fourteen children of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger, Commodus was the tenth. He was born one of twins, though his twin brother died when he was only four years old. He was given the name Commodus in honour of Marcus Aurelius' co-emperor, who had originally borne it.
Commodus was the only son of the royal couple who survived
Birth
Of the fourteen children of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger, Commodus was the tenth. He was born one of twins, though his twin brother died when he was only four years old. He was given the name Commodus in honour of Marcus Aurelius' co-emperor, who had originally borne it.
Commodus was the only son of the royal couple who survived
Rule
Roman emperor from 177 to 192 (sole emperor after 180).
Power
He got power because his father Marcus Aurelius was an Emperor.
He got power because his father Marcus Aurelius was an Emperor.
Challenges
One of his challeges was that he was cowardice. Was lazy and was very paranoid. Therefore, inorder to solve this he allowed others to rule for him. As a result he could easily be manipulated. The man he put in charge of ruling made the people angry and they rioted against the man. Commodus could not stop the riots so he beheaded the man and gave his head to the people.
His sister, some senators, and others made a plot to assassinate him. As his sister’s nephew was about to stab him, his guards stopped him. He executed all who took part in the plot.
Rome with Commodus
Rome with Commodus
His brutal misrule precipitated civil conflict that ended 84 years of stability and prosperity within the empire. He was fighting German tribes with his father, but after his father died he made a treaty with the German tribes. He went so insane that he would enter the arena calling himself the god Hercules and killed Lions and disabled people with a bow and arrow. People would have to pay to go in the arena to watch the go Hercules (Commodus).
He also surrendered the land his father had gained at war.
He didn't take interest in running the goverment.
Commodus had spies and secret police everywhere.
When he would nearly bankrupt the treasury he would accuse senators of treason and have thier property seised
Citizens
The citizens of Rome at this time viewed him as a coward for letting other people rule for him. Also saw him as cruel and vain for killing many people to solve his problems or satisfy himself. Also was very selfish for naming Rome Colonia Commodiana (Colony of Commodus), and naming two months after himself.
Death
People who wanted Commodus dead poisoned him, but he ended up throwing up the poison and saving himself. However they had a back up plan and employed a wrestler, Narcissus to strangle him.