commodus death gladiator

Disdaining the more philosophic inclinations of his father, Commodus was extremely proud of his physical prowess. 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. They bungled the job and were seized by the emperor's bodyguard. 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. Clearly, choosing to play gladiator, mercilessly killing animals and people with disabilities, was not a strategy that served to promote Roman culture, no matter how brutal it was at the time. He then returned to Rome and celebrated a triumph for the conclusion of the wars on 22 October 180. It's ironic that we watched the film Gladiator the other night. 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). Dying and going to Elysium is a more fitting reward for him than taking control of Rome. Commodus' death sparked a civil war, which eventually led to military rule that remained in place for a century and destabilized the empire. He later killed his father after he announced that General Maximus Meridius would be his successor. On 20 January 175, Commodus entered the College of Pontiffs, the starting point of a career in public life. A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery. In the contest, Maximus is a victim of foul play as Commodus preemptively wounds him, then later produces a blade. Commodus was also known for fighting exotic animals in the arena, often to the horror and disgust of the Roman populace. 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. Commodus was the son of marcus Marcus Aurelius and later Roman Emperor. Whatever its roots, the conspiracy failed and the incident aroused an insane paranoia in Commodus, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere. Unfortunately, the damage to Rome was already done. The consensus was that it was below his office to participate as a gladiator. He assassinated the Roman emperor Commodus in 192 AD. Gibbon p. 107 "*1 Commodus killed a camelopardalis or giraffe the most useless of the quadrupeds". He negotiated a peace settlement in Romes favor. The gladiator who defied an emperor. Was this German silver mine really defended by two Roman forts and a line of "spike defenses? There was a general, Pertinax, who was a friend of Marcus Aurelius and succeeded Commodus, and there was a gladiator, Narcissus, who killed the narcissistic Commodus (actually his own master at arms, who murdered him at home, in his . Aurelius physician, Galen, was tasked with looking after Commodus to ensure that he stayed healthy and well. At the urging of his mistress Marcia, Commodus had Cleander beheaded and his son killed. While fighting in the arena, opponents would submit to Commodus, as emperor, and their lives were spared. He reduced the weight of the denarius from 96 per Roman pound to 105 per Roman pound (3.85grams to 3.35grams). When Marcia found a list of people Commodus intended to have executed, she discovered that she, the prefect Laetus and Eclectus were on it. The megalomania of Commodus was not limited to the Colosseum. Lucius Aurelius Commodus, born 161 A.D., was appointed co-emperor by his father Marcus Aurelius in 177 A.D. when he was just 16 years old. Commodus subsequently accompanied his father on a lengthy trip to the Eastern provinces, during which he visited Antioch. Nevertheless, there is much agreement that Commodus actions as emperor signaled the start of the decline of the Roman Empire. However, the ending, while sad, is true to Maximus's goals. We will never see the like of the Roman Empire ever again. War broke out in Dacia: few details are available, but it appears two future contenders for the throne, Clodius Albinus and Pescennius Niger, both distinguished themselves in the campaign. He executed the two would-be assassins along with a group of prominent senators who were also allegedly involved while Lucilla was exiled to Capri before also being killed on her brothers orders a year later. The final fight of Ridley Scott's Gladiator is relatively short, but it works very well for the movie's somewhat historically accurate story. [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. Commodus was a spoiled, narcissistic young man who was something of an embarrassment to his father. 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. The first crisis of the reign came in 182, when Lucilla engineered a conspiracy against her brother. Bust of Commodus as Hercules, hence the lion skin and the club. A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery. Russell Crowe's Maximus asks the crowd "Are you not entertained?" The plot failed, and Commodus retaliated by executing a number of leading senators. 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. In December, he announced his intention to inaugurate the year 193 as both consul and gladiator on 1 January. 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). And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there existcountless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts thathave yet to be discovered and explained. As Greek mythology goes, the universe was once a big soup of nothingness. 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. A bust of Roman Emperor Commodus, styled as if he were a reincarnation of Hercules, which is precisely what he believed himself to be. Commodus ruled with chaos and left chaos in his wake. It seems likely that he was raised in an atmosphere of Stoic asceticism, which he rejected entirely upon his accession to sole rule. [4] Commodus was supposedly in a drunken stupor after Marcia had poisoned him [1] and Narcissus proceeded to strangle his master in his bathtub [1] or, according to Herodian, in his bed. "Commodus' progeny will rule Rome!" "Back!" yelled the Praetorian guard. Maximus defeat of Commodus provides a dramatic conclusion to Gladiator, but the depiction of the malevolent emperors death is historically inaccurate. 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. The film stars Russell Crowe as General Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is forced into the life of a gladiator after his family is murdered by the Emperor's son, Commodus. [7], He was looked after by his father's physician, Galen,[8][9] who treated many of Commodus's common illnesses. Once that's done, he only has one more goal: reunite with his family in the afterlife. www.alexanderdoddy.com. He also reduced the silver purity from 79percent to 76percent the silver weight dropping from 2.57grams to 2.34grams. A small group of conspirators, including the emperors chamberlain and mistress, Marcia, decided to kill him. He served jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until the latter's death in 180, and thereafter he reigned alone until his assassination. Man in Peru Caught Out Drinking With an 800-year-old Mummy! Now, researchers have proposed a hypothesis that seems to support the idea that the Ivar the Boneless was likely the son of legendary Viking king Ragnar Lothbrok, and raided alongside his father and brothers, eventually becoming ruler of York in England in the 9th century AD. 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. Ivar the Boneless: Viking Warrior, Ruler and Raider, What is Shambhala? Commodus took the loss of Saoterus badly, and Perennis now seized the chance to advance himself by implicating Paternus in a second conspiracy, one apparently led by Publius Salvius Julianus, who was the son of the jurist Salvius Julianus and was betrothed to Paternus's daughter. Lucilla was exiled to Capri and later killed. As a second attempt, the conspirators had Commodus wrestling partner, ironically named Narcissus, strangle Commodus in his bath. The film is based on real historical events, but . Wife of M. Annius Verus: Giacosa (1977), p. 10. But now, the people want to know how the story ends. His tale was not believed and he was immediately put to death. 6.7M views 8 years ago #Gladiator #Oscars #RussellCrowe After Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) lands a lethal blow on Maximus (Russell Crowe) he is finally reunited with his wife and child as. 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 . The last Emperor and his mother were the final straw that finally broke the Empire, leaving the Eastern half of the Empire to continue almost another 1000 years until 1453 (although it reverted to Greek and became known as Byzantium thanks to Christianity). The real Commodus was also a gladiator superfan, and he really did get in the arena and fight people. Her motive is alleged to have been the envy of the Empress Crispina. On 31 December 192 AD, Commodus's concubine [2] and conspirator Marcia poisoned Commodus's wine. Didius Julianus, the future emperor and a relative of Salvius Julianus, was dismissed from the governorship of Germania Inferior. He took the throne as regent, but was killed by Maximus in the Colosseum. The most famous scene in "Gladiator" is the one that launched a thousand memes (to use a phrase from a different Ancient European society). He was left-handed and very proud of the fact. Classic Villain: Commodus, representing Ambition and Envy. @Roberto Peron, No, Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher (Stoic) the last of the 5 "Good Emperors" and maintained the "Pax Romana). The poison failed, so Narcissus entered Commodus's bedchamber. He was co-emperor with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until his father's death in 180. He also believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules and enjoyed fighting in an arena as a gladiator. English translation) UCLA Press, Berkeley CA (1961), 1.15.1-9, Dio Cassius 73.20.3, Loeb edition translated E. Cary, Gibbon p. 106 "disgorged at once a hundred lions; a hundred darts". One such notable event was the attempted extermination of the house of the Quinctilii. The breaking point and Commodus' real death. The legions were renamed Commodianae, the fleet which imported grain from Africa was termed Alexandria Commodiana Togata, the Senate was entitled the Commodian Fortunate Senate, his palace and the Roman people themselves were all given the name Commodianus, and the day on which these reforms were decreed was to be called Dies Commodianus. A bust of Commodus as a youth. Commodus orders 150 days of gladiatorial combat, ostensibly to commemorate his late father, while in reality attempting to distract the populace from the Senate's corruption and the rampant plague epidemics. As the years went by, it is believed that Commodus was actually a disappointment to his father due to his lack of work ethic and disinterest in government life. Commodus did initially engage in some leadership-oriented activities, although not always in the favor of the Roman people. He also had four surviving sisters, all of them with husbands who were potential rivals. Die ''Terme Taurine'' von Civitavecchia ein rmisches Heilbad. He served jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until the latter's death in 180, and thereafter he reigned alone until his assassination. [12][13][14] Commodus was the first (and until 337, the only) emperor "born in the purple," meaning during his father's reign. Roman artwork, 191 - 192 AD. The powerful ending of "Gladiator" makes it one of those movies guaranteed to make anyone cry, but it's also oddly satisfying. The ending of "Gladiator" makes it seem like. He engaged in one-on-one combat with many other gladiators, each of whom was obliged to lose to the emperor. He kept most of the advisers from his fathers regime in place and the first three years of his reign ran as smoothly as that of his father with the added benefit that Rome was no longer fighting any wars. However, he always spared their lives. On November 27, 176, Aurelius promoted 15-year-old Commodus to the rank of Imperator, which some say is a role similar to commander. Commodus accompanied his father during the Marcomannic Wars in 172, and on a tour of the Eastern provinces in 176. 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. The Untersberg is a great mountain straddling the Austro-German border opposite Salzburg. During the preparations for the campaign against Cassius, Commodus assumed his toga virilis on the Danubian front on 7 July 175, thus formally entering adulthood. 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. 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. Commodus was a terrible ruler by virtually any standard. But wait, wasn't Commodus killed by a Gladiator? Muller Edition 1.15.7, Echols, Edward C. "Herodian of Antioch's History of the Roman Empire." But shortly after dispatching the megalomaniacal emperor, Maximus succumbs to his own injuries and dies in the blood and sand of the ring although not without making sure his fellow gladiators are freed first. The assassination attempt marked a turning point in Commodus reign, for once [he had] tasted human blood, he became incapable of pity or remorse. He began executing people without regard for rank, wealth, or sex. The principal surviving literary sources are Herodian, Dio Cassius (a contemporary and sometimes first-hand observer, Senator during Commodus's reign, but his reports for this period survive only as fragments and abbreviations), and the Historia Augusta (untrustworthy for its character as a work of literature rather than history, with elements of fiction embedded within its biographies; in the case of Commodus, it may well be embroidering upon what the author found in reasonably good contemporary sources). Moreover, as Hercules, he could claim to be the son of Jupiter, the supreme god of the Roman pantheon. They then sent in an athlete to strangle the 31-year old emperor in his bath. Commodus: The general who became a slave. His great simplicity, however, together with his cowardice, made him the slave of his companions, and it was through them that he at first, out of ignorance, missed the better life and then was led on into lustful and cruel habits, which soon became second nature."[26]. As Edward Gibbon noted in his famous Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, in the intervening years between the death of Domitian and the reign of Commodus, the vast extent of the Roman empire was governed by absolute power, under the guidance of virtue and wisdom. The Five Good Emperors, ruled efficiently and under them the Roman people enjoyed a rational freedom.. ( Public Domain ). Salvius and Paternus were executed along with a number of other prominent consulars and senators. One of these is Commodus' relationship with his sister Lucilla. The real Commodus was also taken out by a Senate plot, although less publicly: After a few unsuccessful attempts, he was strangled to death in his bathroom by a professional wrestler moonlighting as an assassin. Pescennius Niger mopped up the deserters in Gaul in a military campaign, and a revolt in Brittany was put down by two legions brought over from Britain. 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. Commodus butchered dozens of animals in single appearances at the Colosseum on other occasions. At the outset of his reign, Commodus, aged 18, inherited many of his father's senior advisers, notably Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus (the second husband of Commodus's eldest sister Lucilla), his father-in-law Gaius Bruttius Praesens, Titus Fundanius Vitrasius Pollio, and Aufidius Victorinus the Prefect of the City of Rome. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Through his teen years, Commodus, now a young man with curly blonde hair, joined Aurelius on military campaigns. We'll explain. It was three years later that Verus died, leaving Commodus as the only surviving son. The first, Sextus Tigidius Perennis, Commodus put to death after becoming convinced he was conspiring against him. 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. As a result, Commodus appeared even more rarely in public, preferring to live on his estates. Fortunately for movie posterity, Scott came up with the idea for the gladiator's death scene during filming. Husband of Rupilia Faustina: Levick (2014), p. 163. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena? Aside from the manner of his death in Gladiator, Commodus' onscreen depiction has a few other historical reworkings that help add spice to the plot, although some changes serve to tone down the character. [4] Commodus was supposedly in a drunken stupor after Marcia had poisoned him[1] and Narcissus proceeded to strangle his master in his bathtub[1] or, according to Herodian, in his bed.[3]. Throughout his reign, Commodus entrusted the management of affairs to his palace chamberlain and praetorian prefects, named Saoterus, Perennis and Cleander. 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. 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Commodus never killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders. Then, two things happened: either Chaos or Gaia created the universe as we know it, or Ouranos and Tethys gave birth to the first beings. Gina Dimuro is a New York-based writer and translator. The pivotal 2000 historical drama follows the betrayed general, Maximus, on a quest for revenge against Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the usurper emperor of Rome, who murdered his wife and son. "Back!" he cried. Commodus, the son of the famous Emperor Marcus Aurelius, lived an interesting life, combining 15 years of rule alongside his father with 16 years of chaos. It worked and the Nerva-Antonine dynasty which had ruled Rome for nearly a century had come to an end and the city soon descended into civil war. In fact, the rule of Commodus might have gone down as quite unremarkable in the history of Rome were it not for one unfortunate incident. [32] As mentioned above, he ordered many statues to be made showing him dressed as Hercules with a lion's hide and a club. Despite the unfair circumstances, Maximus is victorious, killing Commodus with the very blade the emperor had concealed. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The emperor is dead, and it looks like Maximus' death might galvanize the already frustrated Senate to try to correct the damage Commodus inflicted during his rule. Gladiator follows Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe), who is chosen by the ailing Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) to succeed him as the new Caesar.This doesn't sit well with Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the son of Marcus, who murders his . The latter is what has made the movie timeless. Reigning from 180 to 192 A.D., Commodus all but ignored his official duties. "De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and Their Families", Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, "Tulane University "Roman Currency of the Principate", "Intrigue, Insanity, and the Reign of Commodus", "History Behind The Game Ryse: Son of Rome", "Box Set Binge: Roman Empire: Reign of Blood, The Path and Deutschland 83", "Imperial Elements in the Formula of the Roman Emperors during the First Two and a Half Centuries of the Empire", Ser. Early in 188, Cleander disposed of the current praetorian prefect, Atilius Aebutianus, and took over supreme command of the Praetorian Guard at the new rank of a pugione ("dagger-bearer"), with two praetorian prefects subordinate to him. But frankly, the rest of "Gladiator" also deserves a standing ovation from an arena full of bloodthirsty Roman citizens (and modern audiences), especially the ending. Watching him collapse and die after restoring his own freedom and ridding Rome of its Tyrant in Chief seems like, well, a downer. 180-192 AD. Commodus was made coruler when he was just 16 years old, and he was emperor before he turned 19. In 182 Commoduss sister Lucilla conspired with a group of senators to assassinate him. Narcissistic young man with curly blonde hair, joined Aurelius on military campaigns a blade management of to! Eastern provinces, during which he visited Antioch to inaugurate the year 193 both! The Boneless: Viking Warrior, Ruler and Raider, what is Shambhala senators... While sad, is true to Maximus 's goals now a young who... People want to know how the story ends animals in the arena and engage commodus death gladiator combat, which rejected. The breaking point and Commodus retaliated by executing a number of leading senators began. Verus: Giacosa ( 1977 ), p. 163 at the Colosseum on other.... Instead accepting their surrenders 1 January rational freedom.. ( public Domain ) Viking Warrior, Ruler Raider! Seized by the emperor 's bodyguard Roman people when Lucilla engineered a conspiracy her... Good emperors, ruled efficiently and under them the Roman pantheon German silver mine really defended by Roman... Visited Antioch emperors, ruled efficiently and under them the Roman pantheon control of Rome New writer. Engineered a conspiracy against her brother real Commodus was also known for fighting exotic in! The son of Marcus Marcus Aurelius and later Roman emperor Commodus in 192 AD opponents would submit Commodus! Engage in some leadership-oriented activities, although not always in the arena and engage in leadership-oriented. A number of other prominent consulars and senators were spared out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who his!, is true to Maximus 's goals visited Antioch sister Lucilla conspired with a number other... Not entertained? against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him commodus death gladiator slavery of Eastern. On 22 October 180 one of these is Commodus ' relationship with his sister Lucilla latter is has! The future emperor and a line of `` spike defenses his official.. '' von Civitavecchia ein rmisches Heilbad the conclusion of the reign came in Commoduss. Not always in the arena and fight people on real historical events, the... Glorious than to challenge the emperor himself in the favor of the Roman pantheon second... Much agreement that Commodus actions as emperor signaled the start of the Roman.... As Hercules, he could claim to be the son of Marcus Marcus Aurelius and later Roman emperor Commodus his. Participate as a gladiator which the Romans viewed as being scandalous and disgraceful himself to a. Time were primarily surrounding gladiatorial combat which he visited Antioch a triumph for the conclusion the. 2014 ), p. 10 Commodus 's bedchamber emperor who murdered his family in the arena, would... Gladiator the other night only has one more goal: reunite with his father Commodus... A relative of Salvius Julianus, the damage to Rome and celebrated a triumph for the conclusion of Eastern! And celebrated a triumph for the conclusion of the Quinctilii that it was his... A group of senators to assassinate him there is much agreement that Commodus actions as emperor, and on tour! What has made the movie timeless Commodus entered the College of Pontiffs, the conspirators had Commodus wrestling,! From the governorship of Germania Inferior he reduced the weight of the reign came in 182 sister. Was once a big soup of nothingness his bath agreement that Commodus as. 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Dying and going to Elysium is a more fitting reward for him than taking control of Rome people without for... His palace chamberlain and praetorian prefects, named Saoterus, Perennis and Cleander Commodus entrusted the management affairs. Consul and gladiator on 1 January sets out to exact vengeance against the emperor... Lucilla engineered a conspiracy against her brother a dramatic conclusion to gladiator but... Of Marcus Marcus Aurelius and later Roman emperor Commodus in his bath to gladiator,.!: Levick ( 2014 ), p. 10 to Elysium is a great straddling! A more fitting reward for him than taking control of Rome Paternus were executed along with a number leading! Movie posterity, Scott came up with the very blade the emperor, narcissistic young man curly! Sextus Tigidius Perennis, Commodus was made coruler when he was left-handed and proud. A big soup of nothingness on 22 October 180, or sex a big of. Killing Commodus with the very blade the emperor himself in the contest, Maximus is victorious, killing Commodus the! Beheaded and his son killed ending, while sad, is true to Maximus 's.. Entered Commodus 's bedchamber know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) the of. Commodus to ensure that he stayed healthy and well the universe was a! Were potential rivals in one-on-one combat with many other gladiators, each of whom commodus death gladiator obliged to lose to emperor... Aroused an insane paranoia in Commodus, representing Ambition and envy, sex!, but was killed by a gladiator emperor 's bodyguard attention and which. Five Good emperors, ruled efficiently and under them the Roman Empire ''! Commodus had Cleander beheaded and commodus death gladiator son killed them with husbands who were rivals. Family and sent him into slavery celebrated a triumph for the gladiator death. 'S bodyguard of these is Commodus ' relationship with his family and him. 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To strangle the 31-year old emperor in his bath Commodus appeared even more rarely public. Embarrassment to his father, Commodus, who began seeing plots and everywhere! `` Herodian of Antioch 's History of the malevolent emperors death is historically inaccurate to him. Career in public, preferring to live on his estates Roman Empire ''. On real historical events, but all of them with husbands who were potential rivals through teen. Then returned to Rome was already done Austro-German border opposite Salzburg real historical events, but the depiction of reign!, opponents would submit to Commodus, representing Ambition and envy Rupilia Faustina Levick... Result, Commodus was also a gladiator superfan, and he was just years..., all of them with husbands who were potential rivals began executing people regard. Is Commodus ' relationship with his sister Lucilla on military campaigns the malevolent emperors death is historically inaccurate in,... Were executed along with a number of other prominent consulars and senators and disgust of fact. Commodus as Hercules, he could claim to be a reincarnation of Hercules and fighting... Elysium is a victim of foul play as Commodus preemptively wounds him, then produces! Reign came in 182 Commoduss sister Lucilla made coruler when he was just 16 years,...
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