Commodus
A Roman emperor who abandoned his father's philosophical wars to play the gladiator, his narcissistic rule unraveled the empire's stability.
Born 161 (age 1865)·Roman emperor from 177 to 192·Birthday: August 31
Biography
Commodus entered the world as the son of philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius, but any resemblance ended there. After his father's death on the Germanic frontier, he swiftly made peace and returned to Rome, trading the rigors of military command for the adulation of the arena. He fancied himself the reincarnation of Hercules, commissioning statues that depicted him with a lion's skin and club, and insisted on fighting as a gladiator—a scandalous act for a Roman emperor. His rule descended into paranoia and extravagance, delegating daily governance to a series of favorites while he performed in the Colosseum. This erratic behavior, coupled with purges of the senatorial class and economic mismanagement, shattered the peace his father had upheld. His assassination, strangled in his bath by a wrestler, was orchestrated by his own court, closing a chapter of decay that many historians see as the beginning of Rome's long decline.
#1 When Commodus Was Born
The biggest hits of 161
Commodus's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
161Born
166Started school
174Became a teenager
177Could drive
179Could vote
182Turned 21
191Turned 30
201Turned 40
211Turned 50
221Turned 60
231Turned 70
241Turned 80
2026Age 1865 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Brought the Marcomannic Wars to an abrupt end shortly after his father's death in 180 AD.
- Renamed Rome 'Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana' and the months of the year after his own titles.
- Fought as a gladiator in the Roman arena hundreds of times, though his opponents were often disabled or given blunt weapons.
- His death without a clear heir triggered the chaotic 'Year of the Five Emperors' in 193 AD.
Did You Know?
He kept a menagerie of exotic animals at his villa and was said to have decapitated ostriches with specially designed arrows during games.
Commodus had a passion for chariot racing and briefly served as a priest for the cult of Mithras.
The film 'Gladiator' is loosely based on the final years of his reign, though it takes significant historical liberties.
“I am the Roman Hercules, and the Senate shall grant me the honors I decree.”
