Commodus, in full Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, original name (until 180 ce) Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus, (born August 31, 161 ce, Lanuvium, Latium [now Lanuvio, Italy]—died December 31, 192), Roman emperor from 177 to 192 (sole emperor after 180).

Where did Rome Commodus live?

Early Life

Lucius Aurelius Commodus was born to the philosopher/king and Faustina the Younger at Lanuvium, a city fourteen miles southeast of Rome on August 31, 161 CE. He was the tenth of fourteen children and the only son to survive - his twin brother Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antonius died at the age of four.

Did Commodus really fight a gladiator?

Commodus fought against professional gladiators as well as wild beasts. As Herodian wrote, “In his gladiatorial combats, he defeated his opponents with ease, and he did no more than wound them, since they all submitted to him, but only because they knew he was the emperor, not because he was truly a gladiator.”

Was there a real Commodus?

Commodus, in full Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, original name (until 180 ce) Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus, (born August 31, 161 ce, Lanuvium, Latium [now Lanuvio, Italy]—died December 31, 192), Roman emperor from 177 to 192 (sole emperor after 180).

Who killed Commodus?

Narcissus (b. 2nd century C.E.) was a Roman athlete, likely a wrestler, from the 2nd century AD. He assassinated the Roman Emperor Commodus in 192 AD.

Did Commodus End the Golden Age of Rome? - Roman History DOCUMENTARY

40 related questions found

Who was the cruelest Roman emperor?

Q: Why is Roman Emperor Caligula remembered as the cruelest Emperor? Shortly into Emperor Caligula's rule, he fell ill from what many suggest was syphilis. He never recovered mentally and became a ruthless, wanton killer of Roman citizens, including even his family.

Who reigned after Commodus?

After the death of Commodus, Pertinax became emperor. He was an elderly senator who was chosen by the senate as emperor. However, his reign was short-lived because of the resentment he created through his reforms.

Is Maximus Decimus Meridius real?

Maximus Decimus Meridius: Maximus is an entirely fictitious character but seems to be based on several characters, including Avidius Cassius, a general in Marcus Aurelius' armies. He declared himself emperor shortly after thinking Aurelius died in 175, suggesting a brief power struggle.

Was Nero the worst emperor?

Nero is perhaps the best known of the worst emperors, having allowed his wife and mother to rule for him and then stepping out from their shadows and ultimately having them, and others, murdered. But his transgressions go far beyond just that; he was accused of sexual perversions and the murder of many Roman citizens.

How is Lucilla related to Commodus?

Lucilla is the beautiful daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and sister of eventual Emperor Commodus. Lucilla did have a past romance with Maximus, when they were both young and had not yet married. The relationship however ended and Maximus married and had a son, while Lucilla married, had a son and later was widowed.

Who was the most loved Roman emperor?

1. Augustus (September 63 BC – 19 August, 14 AD) At the top of the list is a very obvious choice – the founder of the Roman Empire himself, Augustus, who has the longest reign of 41 years from 27 BC to 14 AD.

Why did Marcus Aurelius choose Commodus?

It seems clear that Marcus wanted to protect Commodus from danger, to build support for him among the northern legions, and to put him in a position to assume power so that there was less uncertainty over the succession. From this point on, Commodus remained in his father's company.

Who killed the Roman emperors?

Capitoline Museum, Rome. The other emperors were murdered by the sword or dagger — Gaius (Caligula) by his Praetorian Guard (41), and Galba decapitated by soldiers (69). Vitellus was tortured by soldiers, then murdered and dragged with hooks to the Tiber (69). Domitian died at the hands of his slaves (96).

Which Roman emperor declared himself God?

To many Romans, the reign of Augustus marked the point at which Rome had rediscovered its true calling. They believed that, under his rule and with his dynasty, they had the leadership to get there. At his death, Augustus, the 'son of a god', was himself declared a god.

Why was Caligula killed?

During his reign, the empire annexed the client kingdom of Mauretania as a province. In early 41, Caligula was assassinated as a result of a conspiracy by officers of the Praetorian Guard, senators, and courtiers. The conspirators' attempt to use the opportunity to restore the Roman Republic was thwarted, however.

Was Narcissus a gladiator?

Narcissus was a Roman athlete, likely a wrestler, from the 2nd century AD. He is best known to history as the assassin of the Roman Emperor Commodus, by whom he was employed as a wrestling partner, and personal trainer in order to train Commodus for his self-indulgent appearances in the Colosseum as a gladiator.

What did Caligula do?

Gaius Caesar, nicknamed Caligula or "Little Boot," succeeded Tiberius as Roman emperor in 37 A.D., and adopted the name Gaius Caesar Germanicus. Records depict him as a cruel and unpredictable leader. He restored treason trials and put people to death.

Did Commodus sleep with his sister in Gladiator?

He lusts after his sister Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), menaces Lucilla's young son who innocently idolizes the gladiator that Maximus has become, and ultimately fights Maximus in the arena after giving Maximus a mortal wound just before the fight.

Why did Lucilla betray Cicero?

He brings word to Maximus that his army is camped outside Rome and awaiting his orders. When Commodus discovers his sister Lucilla's conspiracy, she betrays everyone to protect her son Lucius Veras. After Maximus makes his escape, Cicero is used as a decoy to lure him out in the open to be captured and is killed.

Is Lucius in Gladiator Maximus son?

Spencer Treat Clark as Lucius Verus: The young son of Lucilla. He is named after his father Lucius Verus, who was co-emperor until AD 169. He is also the grandson of Marcus Aurelius. ... Giorgio Cantarini as Maximus's son, who is the same age as Lucilla's son Lucius.