Commodus: The Gladiator Emperor
The philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius broke with the adoptive succession model by leaving power to his biological son Commodus. Commodus quickly made peace with the Marcomanni on terms Marcus Aurelius would have rejected, abandoning the potential conquest of Bohemia to return to Rome. His reign divided into a relatively stable early phase and an increasingly erratic personal rule after 185 CE. Commodus became obsessed with the arena, where he performed as a gladiator. He reportedly killed thousands of animals and numerous human opponents in staged bouts, charging the city of Rome a million sesterces for each appearance. His identification with Hercules grew into full-scale religious theatre: he appeared in public wearing a lion-skin and carrying a club. He renamed Rome 'Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana' and all twelve months after himself. A conspiracy involving his mistress Marcia, chamberlain Eclectus, and praetorian prefect Laetus attempted to poison him on New Year's Eve 192 CE; when the dose failed, they sent in the wrestler Narcissus who strangled him in his bath.
- Year: 180 CE
- Category: Political
