( Public Domain ). Commodus received extensive tutoring by a multitude of teachers with a focus on intellectual education. When Commodus ordered for the death of Maximus and his family, the Romans could not reject that request. Commodus did initially engage in some leadership-oriented activities, although not always in the favor of the Roman people. His body was buried in the Mausoleum of Hadrian. But it didnt take long for him to delegate his leadership responsibilities to others so that he could engage in activities in which he enjoyed. Commodus would also slay exotic animals, such as lions, ostriches, hippos, elephants, and giraffes. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Upon his fathers death in 180, Commodus became the sole emperor. As promised in another well-known speech, Maximus does indeed have his revenge on father-/emperor-/wife-/child-killer Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Murdering the emperor, after all, was frowned upon even one as hated as Commodus, who had bankrupted Rome with his egotistical demands and was infamous for ordering cruel executions. Commodus Roman Emperor In Power Nov 27, 176 - Dec 31, 192 Born Aug 31, 161Lanuvium, Italy Died Dec 31, 192 (aged 31)Rome, Italy Wife Bruttia Crispina Father Marcus Aurelius Mother Faustina the Younger Lucius Aurelius Commodus was born in Lanuvium, near Rome, on August 31, 161. She has earned Read More. Cookies help us deliver our Services. The scene portrays the extent of Emperor Commodus malice and provides a realization of the vengeance sought by Maximus, following the crucifixion of his wife and child. Mudlarker Finds Bronze Age Shoe on a UK Riverbank Dated 2,800 Years Old! The slave who became a gladiator. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. A bust of Roman Emperor Commodus, styled as if he were a reincarnation of Hercules, which is precisely what he believed himself to be. Russell Crowe's Maximus asks the crowd "Are you not entertained?" Indeed, director Ridley Scott's vision of Maximus slowly walking toward his family through the fields of their farm as he's dying is one of the most moving moments in movie history. After becoming emperor, Commodus spent his 12-year reign indulging in hobbies like gambling, drinking and chariot-racing, but his two greatest passions seemed to be sex and pretending to be a . It's ironic that we watched the film Gladiator the other night. Whereas the reign of Marcus Aurelius had been marked by almost continuous warfare, Commodus's rule was comparatively peaceful in the military sense, but was also characterised by political strife and the increasingly arbitrary and capricious behaviour of the emperor himself. AtAncient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. Upon his ascension, Commodus devalued the Roman currency. [27] Another event, as recorded by the historian Aelius Lampridius, took place at the Roman baths at Terme Taurine, where the emperor had an attendant thrown into an oven after he had found his bathwater to be lukewarm. Yet another attempt on his life had been foiled, but the conspirators did not lose their nerve. He negotiated a peace settlement in Romes favor. The activities which held Commodus attention and with which he spent his time were primarily surrounding gladiatorial combat. He would take to the arena and engage in combat, which the Romans viewed as being scandalous and disgraceful. Perhaps seeing this as an opportunity, early in 192 Commodus, declaring himself the new Romulus, ritually re-founded Rome, renaming the city Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana. Salvius and Paternus were executed along with a number of other prominent consulars and senators. @Roberto Peron, No, Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher (Stoic) the last of the 5 "Good Emperors" and maintained the "Pax Romana). The gladiator who defied an emperor. The character is, however, portrayed fictionally in Gladiator, and. Every illness was treated to ensure he remained strong and healthy. One of the two praetorian prefects, Publius Tarrutenius Paternus, had actually been involved in the conspiracy but his involvement was not discovered until later on, and in the aftermath, he and his colleague, Sextus Tigidius Perennis, were able to arrange for the murder of Saoterus, the hated chamberlain. During 191, the city of Rome was extensively damaged by a fire that raged for several days, during which many public buildings including the Temple of Pax, the Temple of Vesta, and parts of the imperial palace were destroyed. While Lucilla did actually try to orchestrate Commodus' assassination, there's no historical evidence of his disturbing attraction to her or their highly tempestuous relationship as depicted in the movie. However, the ending, while sad, is true to Maximus's goals. However, in private practice fights, Commodus would slay his opponents. Conveniently, both of these goals are achieved by killing Commodus. The ending, however sad to viewers, allows him to do that. Commodus ruled with chaos and left chaos in his wake. On 31 December 192 AD, Commodus's concubine[2] and conspirator Marcia poisoned Commodus's wine. Roman Emperor Lucius Aurelius Commodus was a corrupt ruler who was not well-received by the Roman people during his reign. As Greek mythology goes, the universe was once a big soup of nothingness. Aurelius himself, and the four emperors that had preceded him, had all been adopted. The latter is what has made the movie timeless. Ein Gladiator (lateinisch gladiator zu gladius fr . From 180 to his death in 192, Commodus was the only emperor.. His accession as emperor was the first time a son had succeeded his father since Titus succeeded Vespasian in 79. Alternate titles: Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus. Commodus's death is an example of how the film has historical references but often distorts them to create its narrative Gladiator's Commodus being less power-hungry than his historical counterpart refocuses the movie around Maximus' personal struggle rather than the wider Roman political landscape. Commodus reign is commonly regarded as the beginning of the Roman Empires decline, and he is a natural choice for the primary antagonist of Gladiator. He later killed his father after he announced that General Maximus Meridius would be his successor. The slave who became a gladiator. Except where otherwise noted, the notes below indicate that an individual's parentage is as shown in the above family tree. Papirius Dionysius was executed, too. Strange that they didn't kill him earlier. But he vomited the poisoned food up, foiling that plan. On this channel we focus on Roman History and right now we're doing a video on every Roman Emperor, if you're interested in that subscribe or watch the playlist here: https://bit.ly/32CUA2g. Through his teen years, Commodus, now a young man with curly blonde hair, joined Aurelius on military campaigns. Aurelius physician, Galen, was tasked with looking after Commodus to ensure that he stayed healthy and well. Innumerable statues around the empire were set up portraying him in the guise of Hercules, reinforcing the image of him as a demigod, a physical giant, a protector, and a warrior who fought against men and beasts (see "Commodus and Hercules" and "Commodus the Gladiator" below). The breaking point and Commodus' real death. He also devalued Roman currency, reducing the weight of the denarius and reducing the purity of silver. After this look at Commodus, check out these interesting facts about Ancient Rome. Dio Cassius 73.1.2, Loeb edition translated E. Cary, Dio Cassius 73.5.3, Loeb edition translated E. Cary. On the other hand, the real Emperor Commodus was even more outlandish than Gladiator's version in some ways, as he renamed Rome "the Colony of Commodus" at one point. It's a great story of revenge but the character of Maximus is entirely made up. Once that's done, he only has one more goal: reunite with his family in the afterlife. Then, discover the most fascinating facts from the entirety of ancient history. First, she attempted to kill him by poisoning his food. He also believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules and enjoyed fighting in an arena as a gladiator. Wife of M. Annius Libo: Levick (2014), p. 163. [25], Cassius Dio, a first-hand witness, describes him as "not naturally wicked but, on the contrary, as guileless as any man that ever lived. I am sure you are familiar with his legend which states that he was born in a manger surrounded by shepherds, about 5 Celebrity Gladiators of Bloodthirsty Ancient Rome, about Romes African Emperor: Septimius Severus and the Scottish Invasion, about Catastrophic Collapse: When Historic Good Governments Turned Bad, about Mimicking Gods and Gladiators: The Assassination Of Emperor Commodus, about The Philosopher-King of Ancient Rome: Marcus Aurelius' Imperium, about Fair-Weather Friends: A Weird Explanation for 20% of Roman Emperor Assassinations, The Lemon Grove Mummies: Ancient Corpses from Mexican Cave Found in California Garage, The Curious Apparitions of Pagan Goddesses to the German Knights Templar, Caesars Savage Human Skewers Unearthed In German Fort, The Warriors Who Shaped African History: The Horsemen of Oyo. His mother was Annia Galeria Faustina, a member of the Roman nobility and the daughter of the emperor Antoninus Pius. The long line of ancient Roman emperors is marked by a strange pattern: Almost every exceptionally brilliant emperor was succeeded by an exceptionally mad one. He showed no interest in government or military matters and was consumed by self-indulgence. He was left-handed and very proud of the fact. Herodian's Roman History F.L. What is the origin of the legend of the Christed Son who was born of a virgin on December 25th? He gripped the iron bars in front of him and was pushed back by one of the guards. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Ulpius Marcellus was replaced as governor of Britain by Pertinax; brought to Rome and tried for treason, Marcellus narrowly escaped death. Roman Artwork. It appears that Aurelius was desperate to have a son of his own bloodline succeed him. Hercules and the Hydra (ca. His recorded actions do tend to show a rejection of his father's policies, his father's advisers, and especially his father's austere lifestyle, and an alienation from the surviving members of his family. The final fight of Ridley Scott's Gladiator is relatively short, but it works very well for the movie's somewhat historically accurate story. Striking story! Meanwhile, Commodus was lapsing into insanity. "Back!" he cried. Despite the unfair circumstances, Maximus is victorious, killing Commodus with the very blade the emperor had concealed. The second, the freeman Cleander, he allowed to be torn apart by a mob who were outraged at the freemans abuses. [33] Cassius Dio and the writers of the Augustan History say that Commodus was a skilled archer, who could shoot the heads off ostriches in full gallop, and kill a panther as it attacked a victim in the arena. Later that year he adopted as his full style Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus Augustus Herculeus Romanus Exsuperatorius Amazonius Invictus Felix Pius (the order of some of these titles varies in the sources). Throughout his reign, Commodus entrusted the management of affairs to his palace chamberlain and praetorian prefects, named Saoterus, Perennis and Cleander. 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). This caused much outrage, and inspired prefect Laetus to start a conspiracy to assassinate the emperor. "Commodus' progeny will rule Rome!" "Back!" yelled the Praetorian guard. A grateful Senate proclaimed a new emperorthe city prefect, Publius Helvius Pertinaxbut the empire quickly slipped into civil war. Maximus is given a very clear ending, but what about the rest of Rome? Sources diverge on the origins of the conspiracy, with some claiming Lucilla was jealous of Commodus wife Crispina (incest between Commodus and Lucilla is suggested in Gladiator) while others maintain she saw the first warning signs of her brothers mental instability. Unlike Maximus, they all let him win, letting him injure them to a non-fatal degree and then conceding, per LA Times. In opposition to the Senate, in his pronouncements and iconography, Commodus had always stressed his unique status as a source of god-like power, liberality, and physical prowess. Did you realise that "Gladiator" was a revamp of the 1960's movie "THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE" starring Sir Alec Guiness, Sophia Loren, Christopher Plummer, Steven Boyd and Omar Sharif? Moreover, as Hercules, he could claim to be the son of Jupiter, the supreme god of the Roman pantheon. Julia Balbilla a possible lover of Sabina: A. R. Birley (1997). With each breathtaking scene, the complex culture of world that created and adored these bloody games between man and beast comes into clear focus. While the true story behind his reign and death are fascinating, I prefer the fictional story, where he is killed in the arena before thousands of subjects by a gladiator whose family was ordered killed by the emperor. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Commodus, The Unhinged Roman Emperor Who Went Mad With Power, Commodus exposes Lucillas plot in this scene from. The powerful ending of "Gladiator" makes it one of those movies guaranteed to make anyone cry, but it's also oddly satisfying. Unlike Commodus, Maximus isn't driven by a desire for power but by loyalty to "the true emperor" whom Commodus murdered and to his family. Suetonius a possible lover of Sabina: One interpretation of, Lover of Hadrian: Lambert (1984), p.99 and. He also reduced the silver purity from 79percent to 76percent the silver weight dropping from 2.57grams to 2.34grams. Commodus lunged at the Senator. Cassius Dio recorded one incident where, after becoming tired out, Commodus ordered a cup of chilled wine to him and drank it at one gulp. In an amusing anecdote, Dio continued, At this both the populace and we senators all immediately shouted out the words so familiar at drinking-bouts, Long life to you!'. [35] According to Herodian, spectators of Commodus thought it unbecoming of an emperor to take up arms in the amphitheater for sport when he could be campaigning against barbarians among other opponents of Rome. Despite Maximus being a fictional character, the athlete Narcissus is one of the multiple historical figures serving as the likely inspiration for Gladiator's protagonist. Wikimedia CommonsEmperor Commodus lust for power is widely credited with bringing an end to the fabled Pax Romana. So superlatively mad had the abandoned wretch become that he renamed Rome Colonia Commodiana (the Colony of Commodus) and changed the names of the months to each reflect one of the many epithets he had bestowed upon himself. Its protagonist, Maximus, is entirely fictitious. Commodus subsequently accompanied his father on a lengthy trip to the Eastern provinces, during which he visited Antioch. Maximus : You would fight me? In the same year, Pertinax unmasked a conspiracy by two enemies of Cleander Antistius Burrus (one of Commodus's brothers-in-law) and Arrius Antoninus. Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, 31 August 161 - 31 December 192) was Roman emperor from 177 to 192. Striking story! Be warned, though:If you thought Maximus's death was sad, you really won't like this. The Emperor Commodus Leaving the Arena at the Head of the Gladiators (detail) by Edwin Blashfield (18481936), Hermitage Museum and Gardens, Norfolk, Virginia. Commodus was spoilt and decadent and his decadence led to the decline of the empire. Husband of Ulpia Marciana: Levick (2014), p. 161. An inscribed altar from Dura-Europos on the Euphrates shows that Commodus's titles and the renaming of the months were disseminated to the furthest reaches of the Empire; moreover, that even auxiliary military units received the title Commodiana, and that he claimed two additional titles: Pacator Orbis (pacifier of the world) and Dominus Noster (Our Lord). Commodus is known to have been at Carnuntum, the headquarters of Marcus Aurelius during the Marcomannic Wars, in 172. However, the following year, a detachment of soldiers from Britain (they had been drafted to Italy to suppress brigands) also denounced Perennis to the emperor as plotting to make his own son emperor (they had been enabled to do so by Cleander, who was seeking to dispose of his rival), and Commodus gave them permission to execute him as well as his wife and sons. Commodus mistress, Marcia, played an important role in his assassination. He wanted to avenge the deaths of his wife and son, as well as clear the way for the Senate to restore order in Rome. The 2000 film, directed by Ridley Scott, is steeped in the culture of ancient Rome. Commodus butchered dozens of animals in single appearances at the Colosseum on other occasions. Upon his death, the Senate declared him a public enemy (a de facto damnatio memoriae) and restored the original name of the city of Rome and its institutions. Unrest around the empire increased, with large numbers of army deserters causing trouble in Gaul and Germany. He took the throne as regent, but was killed by Maximus in the Colosseum. Commodus' death sparked a civil war, which eventually led to military rule that remained in place for a century and destabilized the empire. Also, in Britain in 184, the governor Ulpius Marcellus re-advanced the Roman frontier northward to the Antonine Wall, but the legionaries revolted against his harsh discipline and acclaimed another legate, Priscus, as emperor. wahrscheinlich aber erfand Commodus diese Geschichte selber, um seine Sonderrolle zu unterstreichen. However, just when the days of the mad emperors seemed long gone, Commodus brought the madness roaring back. Commodus was inaugurated in 183 as consul with Aufidius Victorinus for a colleague and assumed the title Pius. On 12 October 166, Commodus was made Caesar together with his younger brother, Marcus Annius Verus. The Syrian-born gladiator, who rose to fame under the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117 to 138 A.D.), is best known for the length of his career, and for being awarded his freedom four times . Contemporary Roman writer Cassius Dio describes the young heir as rather simple-minded, but he ruled agreeably with his father and joined Marcus Aurelius in the Marcomannic Wars against the Germanic tribes along the Danube, which the emperor had been waging for several years. Bestowing the imperial title of Caesar upon Commodus at such a young age further shows Aurelius desperation for Commodus to be viewed and treated as royalty. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). On 27 November 176, Marcus Aurelius bestowed the title of Imperator on Commodus and in summer 177 he made him a full joint emperor by giving him the title of Augustus. Cleander fled to Commodus, who was at Laurentum in the house of the Quinctilii, for protection, but the mob followed him calling for his head. Soon after he became sole ruler, Lucius changed his name to Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus. After a failed assassination attempt in 182, however, his rule became erratic and brutal, and he imagined himself to be Hercules. The most famous scene in "Gladiator" is the one that launched a thousand memes (to use a phrase from a different Ancient European society). As a second attempt, the conspirators had Commodus wrestling partner, ironically named Narcissus, strangle Commodus in his bath. Gladiator is somewhat historically accurate in its final scenes, as Commodus did perform as a gladiator. It is uncertain whether Rupilia Faustina was Frugi's daughter by Salonia Matidia or another woman. Thegoal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson.The film was co-produced and released by DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures.DreamWorks Pictures distributed the film in North America while Universal Pictures released it internationally through United International Pictures. The ending of "Gladiator" makes it seem like. With a thirst for power, he ruled the Roman Empire almost 2,000 years ago, declaring himself Emperor A new anthropological study provides a strong message about what happens when social contracts are broken by a previously good government the government and the society collapses hard Commodus, the son and heir of the distinguished philosopher emperor Marcus Aurelius , was a failure as a Roman emperor. His brutal misrule precipitated civil strife that ended 84 years of stability and prosperity within the empire. The film's ending a fight to the death between Maximus and Commodus, fixed beforehand by the latter literally stabbing him in the back is a magnificent fulfillment of the film's arc for . By 192 A.D., the Roman people had had enough. When Marcia found a list of people Commodus intended to have executed, she discovered that she, the prefect Laetus and Eclectus were on it. 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