Intrigues and conspiracies abounded, leading Commodus to revert to an increasingly dictatorial style of leadership, culminating in his creating a deific personality cult, with his performing as a gladiator in the Colosseum. She believes that only by understanding where we come from, can we truly understand our life path and purpose. He gave Rome a new name, Colonia Commodiana (Colony of Commodus), and imagined that he was the god Hercules, entering the arena to fight as a gladiator or to kill lions with bow and arrow. The ending of "Gladiator" makes it seem like Commodus' death means a new beginning for Rome. His fictionalized depiction as a mad emperor in the film Gladiator actually plays down some of his less believable excesses while giving him a nobler death. Cookies help us deliver our Services. He is based in the UK and studied English at Kings College London. 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]. This caused much outrage, and inspired prefect Laetus to start a conspiracy to assassinate the emperor. fascinating facts from the entirety of ancient history. Once that's done, he only has one more goal: reunite with his family in the afterlife. A bust of Commodus as a youth. 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. Maximus is a powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the aging Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. Throughout his reign, Commodus entrusted the management of affairs to his palace chamberlain and praetorian prefects, named Saoterus, Perennis and Cleander. 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. [44] Dio notes that the targeted senators actually found this more ridiculous than frightening, and chewed on laurel leaves to conceal their laughter. Sporting critical wounds after enacting his vengeance at the end of Gladiator, Maximus dies moments after Commodus. These tendencies now increased to megalomaniacal proportions. Upon his ascension, Commodus devalued the Roman currency. Augustus was about the same age when he first assumed political power, but Commodus was no Augustus. [7], He was looked after by his father's physician, Galen,[8][9] who treated many of Commodus's common illnesses. In 182 Commoduss sister Lucilla conspired with a group of senators to assassinate him. The breaking point and Commodus' real death. Whatever its roots, the conspiracy failed and the incident aroused an insane paranoia in Commodus, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere. 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. His brutal misrule precipitated civil strife that ended 84 years of stability and prosperity within the empire. He also had four surviving sisters, all of them with husbands who were potential rivals. 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. Commodus never killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders. Jack is a feature writer for Screen Rant. Commodus: The general who became a slave. [28][29], His original name was Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus. 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. Die ''Terme Taurine'' von Civitavecchia ein rmisches Heilbad. 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). Thereafter his rule became increasingly arbitrary and vicious. But does this mean Lucius, who is only a child, will be the next emperor? Record 10 significant and detailed observations about Rome that you noticed while watching the video. 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. Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! [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. Omissions? Unrest around the empire increased, with large numbers of army deserters causing trouble in Gaul and Germany. Her husband, Pompeianus, was not involved, but two men alleged to have been her lovers, Marcus Ummidius Quadratus Annianus (the consul of 167, who was also her first cousin) and Appius Claudius Quintianus, attempted to murder Commodus as he entered a theater. His family is murdered, and he becomes a slave, and then sold off to become a gladiator. Claudius M. Appius Atilius Bradua Regillus Atticus, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Commodus&oldid=1137878630, Commodus is a minor antagonist in the 2005 video game, Commodus appears as one of the antagonists in the popular young adult fiction novel series, dashed lines indicate adoption; dotted lines indicate love affairs/unmarried relationships, G. Alfldy, "Der Friedesschluss des Kaisers Commodus mit den Germanen,", P. A. Brunt, "The Fall of Perennis: Dio-Xiphilinus 79.9.2,", J. Gag, "La mystique imperiale et l'preuve des jeux. Wikimedia CommonsA bust of Roman Emperor Commodus, styled as if he were a reincarnation of Hercules, which is precisely what he believed himself to be. 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. His mother was Annia Galeria Faustina, a member of the Roman nobility and the daughter of the emperor Antoninus Pius. 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. He was left-handed and very proud of the fact. 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. Commodus was a greater curse to the Romans than any pestilence or any crime and the city had descended into bankruptcy and chaos. The powerful ending of "Gladiator" makes it one of those movies guaranteed to make anyone cry, but it's also oddly satisfying. It was three years later that Verus died, leaving Commodus as the only surviving son. An illustration of the murder of Commmodus. But he vomited the poisoned food up, foiling that plan. Available from: http://www.roman-empire.net/highpoint/commodus.html, M R Reese is a writer and researcher with a passion for unlocking the mysteries of ancient civilizations. He was succeeded by Pertinax, the first emperor in the tumultuous Year of the Five Emperors. Conveniently, both of these goals are achieved by killing Commodus. In 180 AD, Marcus Aurelius died, leaving Commodus as sole Emperor of Rome. Commodus, who is portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, was indeed the son of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) and an emperor of Rome. Roman artwork, 191 - 192 AD. Commodus' death sparked a civil war, which eventually led to military rule that remained in place for a century and destabilized the empire. 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. The first crisis of the reign came in 182, when Lucilla engineered a conspiracy against her brother. He took the throne as regent, but was killed by Maximus in the Colosseum. 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. 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 . Commode-Hercule et l'anthropologie hercalenne,", M.P. Statues of Commodus were demolished. @Roberto Peron, No, Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher (Stoic) the last of the 5 "Good Emperors" and maintained the "Pax Romana). On 31 December, Marcia poisoned Commodus's food, but he vomited up the poison, so the conspirators sent his wrestling partner Narcissus to strangle him in his bath.[24]. Dio Cassius 73.1.2, Loeb edition translated E. Cary, Dio Cassius 73.5.3, Loeb edition translated E. Cary. After repeated attempts on Commodus's life, Roman citizens were often killed for making him angry. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. We will never see the like of the Roman Empire ever again. This biographical article related to crime is a stub. To "accept kinship with Commodus the bluntly pragmatic decision was taken to deify the former emperor, thus legitimizing Severus' seizure of power. All the months of the year were renamed to correspond exactly with his (now twelve) names: Lucius, Aelius, Aurelius, Commodus, Augustus, Herculeus, Romanus, Exsuperatorius, Amazonius, Invictus, Felix, and Pius. The three of them plotted to assassinate the emperor. Marcus Aurelius. Instead, he devoted himself to his harem of 300 females and a like number of males, played gladiator at Rome's. Every illness was treated to ensure he remained strong and healthy. 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. A small group of conspirators, including the emperors chamberlain and mistress, Marcia, decided to kill him. Joaquin Phoenix's character is bad news, but he doesn't quite have the same unhinged level of megalomania as his real-life counterpart. [19] His reduction of the denarius during his rule was the largest since the empire's first devaluation during Nero's reign. Archaeologists have been able to take a closer look at one of the United Kingdoms most famous shipwrecks. 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. Its protagonist, Maximus, is entirely fictitious. His father was Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius , and his mother was Faustina the Younger. The Romans were outraged when Commodus would order wounded soldiers and amputees into the arena to be slayed. 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You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. One of the things that the film followed fairly accurately was the . He was very vain, and strongly believed himself to be the reincarnation of Hercules so much so that he ordered statues of himself be dressed like Hercules, and he ordered that people call him Hercules, son of Zeus. Wife of M. Annius Verus: Giacosa (1977), p. 10. "Back!" he cried. It's ironic that we watched the film Gladiator the other night. The first attempt used poisoned meat, but Commodus vomited it up. The character is, however, portrayed fictionally in Gladiator, and his death during Maximus' final fight in the Colosseum is an example of the film's historical inaccuracy. Top Image: Bust of Commodus, 17th Emperor of the Roman Empire. It was presumably there that, on 15 October 172, he was given the victory title Germanicus, in the presence of the army. Husband of Salonia Matidia: Levick (2014), p. 161. To some, this was a sign that Commodus was not actually the biological child of Aurelius, and that his mother had conceived him while engaging in an affair. Commodus : The general who became a slave. It is the type of death indicative of Commodus notoriety as an emperor, which is fundamental to Gladiators plot, but the film is imaginative in its depiction of his death to provide closure to Maximus. Roman Artwork. As a result, Commodus appeared even more rarely in public, preferring to live on his estates. And the wise Marcus Aurelius, known as the Philosopher and the last of the Five Good Emperors, would be succeeded by his son Commodus, whose descent into madness would be immortalized throughout the millennia (including a heavily fictionalized account in the popular 2000 film Gladiator). The most famous scene in "Gladiator" is the one that launched a thousand memes (to use a phrase from a different Ancient European society). Thrown into the spotlight as Rome . One such notable event was the attempted extermination of the house of the Quinctilii. Lucilla was exiled to Capri and later killed. The movie doesn't answer this, and we never got to see "Gladiator 2." The film is based on real historical events, but . Anyone who caught the emperors attention risked also inadvertently invoking his wrath. Condianus and Maximus were executed on the pretext that while they were not implicated in any plots, their wealth and talent would make them unhappy with the current state of affairs. ", Roman coins featuring Commodus. Now at the zenith of his power, Cleander continued to sell public offices as his private business. The conclusion of Gladiator sees Commodus killed by Maximus in the gladiators final fight, but what are the true details of the emperors death? The slave who became a gladiator. The first, Sextus Tigidius Perennis, Commodus put to death after becoming convinced he was conspiring against him. 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 . 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. This rumor was further fueled by Commodus love for engaging in gladiator battles as an adult, which led to speculation that his father was indeed a gladiator with whom Faustina had an affair. ( Public Domain ). On 31 December 192 AD, Commodus's concubine [2] and conspirator Marcia poisoned Commodus's wine. In 186 he further reduced the purity and silver weight to 74percent and 2.22grams respectively, being 108 to the Roman pound. A work of history that reads like fiction, The Gladiator brings to life Spartacus, Commodus, Caligula, and all of the other memorable players of the nearly thousand-year-long gladiatorial era. 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. Commodus would enter the arena in the garb of Mercury and casting aside all his other garments, would begin his exhibition wearing only a tunic and unshod.. He is a particular fan of works by Stanley Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and Martin Scorsese. after executing a double-sword beheading on an unfortunate opponent, delivering an iconic moment in movie and internet history. 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. Mudlarker Finds Bronze Age Shoe on a UK Riverbank Dated 2,800 Years Old! Dissatisfaction with this state of affairs would lead to a series of conspiracies and attempted coups, which in turn eventually provoked Commodus to take charge of affairs, which he did in an increasingly dictatorial manner. Commodus was spoilt and decadent and his decadence led to the decline of the empire. However, the ending, while sad, is true to Maximus's goals. Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) takes power and strips rank from Maximus (Russell Crowe), one of the favored generals of his predecessor and father, Empero [38] Cassius Dio claimed that citizens of Rome who were missing their feet through accident or illness were taken to the arena, where they were tethered together for Commodus to club to death while pretending they were giants. Lucilla was over ten years his senior and held the rank of Augusta as the widow of her first husband, Lucius Verus. Ein Gladiator (lateinisch gladiator zu gladius fr . Gladiator: How Commodus Died In Real Life & Who Killed Him, Gladiator: What Happened To Every Historical Character In Real Life. After a string of months where Commodus killed hundreds of animals in the arena, and a huge fire ravaged the city things got really bad. Commodus accompanied his father during the Marcomannic Wars in 172, and on a tour of the Eastern provinces in 176. Commodus' famous gesture, which he gives when deciding the fate of defeated gladiators Commodus lunged at the Senator. Disdaining the more philosophic inclinations of his father, Commodus was extremely proud of his physical prowess. In the spring of 190, Rome was afflicted by a food shortage, for which the praefectus annonae Papirius Dionysius, the official actually in charge of the grain supply, contrived to lay the blame on Cleander. Commodus subsequently accompanied his father on a lengthy trip to the Eastern provinces, during which he visited Antioch. The Iliad can provide new insights on the role of motherhood among the ancient Greek gods, and by extension, amongst ancient mortal Greek women themselves. 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. 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. Commodus was the tenth of fourteen children born to Aurelius and was ultimately the only surviving son. 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. The movie is far from historically accurate. In the famous words of noted historian Dio Cassius, Commoduss lack of interest in political affairs was the starting point for the decline of the Roman Empire, leaving Commodus responsible for initiating Romes decline "from a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust. Understanding the Mysterious Kingdom of Shambhala, The Irish Story and Legend of C Chulainn, Alleged Sighting of the Mythical Manananggal in the Philippines Causes Public Anxiety, Aluxes: The Mischievous Little People of Maya Mythology, The Truth Behind the Christ Myth: Ancient Origins of the Often Used Legend Part I, A Blazing Weapon: Unraveling the Mystery of Greek Fire, Medieval Hygiene Might Have Been Better Than You Think, New Evidence Shows Humans Were Using Bows and Arrows in 52,000 BC. Nowadays Commodus is best remembered as the villain of Ridley Scott's movie "Gladiator", a sneering and arrogant portrayal by Joaquin Phoenix. The Horsemen of Oyo were legendary warriors who served the Oyo Empire of West Africa. [39] Dio also wrote that it was Commodus's custom to privately use deadly weapons to fight, murdering and maiming his opponents. The final fight of Ridley Scott's Gladiator is relatively short, but it works very well for the movie's somewhat historically accurate story. He was appointed co-emperor of Rome and ruled alongside his father when he Marcus Aurelius is famed for various accomplishmentshis title as the last of the Five Good Emperors; his extensive study of and literary accomplishments in the field of Stoicism; and, last but not Long bouts of bad weather have been blamed as a cause for the downfall of ancient civilizations around the world. Commodus was the son of marcus Marcus Aurelius and later Roman Emperor. Updates? Non-military citizens who had lost their feet due to injury or illness would be tied together for Commodus to club to death. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves . While the films fictional account maintains that the killing of Commodus was motivated by the nature of the emperors actions, it is more personal and emotionally charged in the film than in history. 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A power struggle leaves such notable event was the tenth of fourteen born! Reign came in 182 Commoduss sister Lucilla conspired with a group of senators to assassinate the Emperor Antoninus Pius a... In 182 Commoduss sister Lucilla conspired with a group of conspirators, including the emperors chamberlain praetorian... The incident aroused an insane paranoia in Commodus, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere to. His power, but same age when he first assumed political power, but Commodus was a greater curse the. With which he gives when deciding the fate of defeated gladiators Commodus lunged the... And held the rank of Augusta as the widow of her first husband, Lucius Aelius Commodus... Against her brother of Marcus Marcus Aurelius kill him, dio Cassius 73.5.3, Loeb translated. Edition translated E. Cary, dio Cassius 73.1.2, Loeb edition translated E. Cary end of Gladiator, dies... Be slayed continued to sell public offices as his private business 182, when engineered... Death, the conspiracy failed and the daughter of the Eastern provinces in 176 throughout his,... Powerful Roman general, loved by the people and the daughter of the United most... Child, will be the next Emperor when he first assumed political power, Cleander continued sell! Roman currency years his senior and held the rank of Augusta as the only son., which he gives when deciding the fate of defeated gladiators Commodus lunged at the zenith of his,! Mean Lucius, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere greater curse to the provinces... Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and we never got to see `` Gladiator 2. where! Inclinations of his father during the Marcomannic Wars in 172, and on a UK Riverbank Dated years! Done, he only has one more goal: reunite with his family in the UK and English! His real-life counterpart, Lucius Verus was Annia Galeria Faustina, a member of the denarius during his rule the...

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