Roman Emperors

Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus born 161 and ruled from 180 to 192, he was the son of Marcus Aurelius and had a twin who died at age 5. In 177 after traveling to many battlefronts with his father, Marcus Aurelius granted his son the rank of Imperator and in 177 Commodus became consul, making him the youngest consul in Roman history. His father then gave him the title of Augustus, elevating him to the same status as his own and sharing power.

When his father died in 180 he left his son to rule the empire.

During his reign, Commodus showed how incredibly in awe of himself he was by ordering multiple statues of himself dressed as Hercules as he believed he was the reincarnation of Hercules. He also enjoyed combat and was frequently involved in gladiatorial combat in the arenas. As he was emperor he always won but the fights would never end in death. He was not considered popular among the roman people, many who thought him to be scandalous.

In 192 part of Rome burned and Commodus used this event to rebuild and rename the city in his own honour. The months were named after him as was the army by his own order. In 193 he was strangled in his own bath by a wrestler who was ordered to do so by the mistress of Commodus. Following this, the senate overruled his changes and restored the city’s original name.