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. In addition to Galens medical attention and treatment, Commodus was also highly educated, with little focus on military training. 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. 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. Crowe toldEmpire magazinein 2020 that originally, Maximus survived: Crowe said he used to joke that his character would "end up running a f****** pizzeria by the Colosseum." But wait, wasn't Commodus killed by a Gladiator? Commodus murders his father (Richard Harris) to gain power, orders the death of war hero Maximus (Russell Crowe) in order to circumvent any possible challenge to his rule, puts the moves on his. She has earned Read More. "Exsuperatorius" (the supreme) was a title given to Jupiter, and "Amazonius" identified him again with Hercules. He also had four surviving sisters, all of them with husbands who were potential rivals. 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. 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. [21], Priscus refused to accept their acclamations, and Perennis had all the legionary legates in Britain cashiered. Gladiator movie clips: http://j.mp/1Je0zMpBUY THE MOVIE: http://amzn.to/v7o2YKDon't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6prCLIP DESCRIPTION:Afte. Omissions? Cleander proceeded to concentrate power in his own hands and to enrich himself by becoming responsible for all public offices: he sold and bestowed entry to the Senate, army commands, governorships, and increasingly, even the suffect consulships to the highest bidder. He also reduced the silver purity from 79percent to 76percent the silver weight dropping from 2.57grams to 2.34grams. 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. But does this mean Lucius, who is only a child, will be the next emperor? 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. Die ''Terme Taurine'' von Civitavecchia ein rmisches Heilbad. Lucius joined Marcus in his campaign against invading German tribes along the Danube, but after the death of Marcus (March 180) he quickly came to terms with the Germans. 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. However, in private practice fights, Commodus would slay his opponents. 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.. 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. In the contest, Maximus is a victim of foul play as Commodus preemptively wounds him, then later produces a blade. This assassination attempt was successful, and both Commodus reign as Roman Emperor, and his life, ended on the final day of 192. Ser. Cornelius Scipio Salvidienus Orfitus, Ti. The consensus was that it was below his office to participate as a gladiator. 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. According to Aurelius, Commodus received his educational training with "an abundance of good masters.". 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". 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, 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. He also had the head of the Colossus of Nero adjacent to the Colosseum replaced with his own portrait, gave it a club, placed a bronze lion at its feet to make it look like Hercules Romanus, and added an inscription boasting of being "the only left-handed fighter to conquer twelve times one thousand men".[23]. This ancient Roman biographical article is a stub. 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. 1. Maximus defeat of Commodus provides a dramatic conclusion to Gladiator, but the depiction of the malevolent emperors death is historically inaccurate. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena? 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 breaking point and Commodus' real death. Reigning from 180 to 192 A.D., Commodus all but ignored his official duties. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves . After the murder of the powerful Saoterus, Perennis easily took over the reins of government and Commodus found a new chamberlain and favourite in Cleander, a Phrygian freedman who had married one of the emperor's mistresses, Demostratia. 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. It's a great story of revenge but the character of Maximus is entirely made up. However, even these favorites were not safe from his fury. Commode-Hercule et l'anthropologie hercalenne,", M.P. Roman Emperor Lucius Aurelius Commodus was a corrupt ruler who was not well-received by the Roman people during his reign. [40][41] For each appearance in the arena, he charged the city of Rome a million sesterces, straining the Roman economy. [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. When Commodus ordered for the death of Maximus and his family, the Romans could not reject that request. Dying and going to Elysium is a more fitting reward for him than taking control of Rome. It was reputed in local legend to be the seat of the god Wotan and to be haunted. 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. 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). Except where otherwise noted, the notes below indicate that an individual's parentage is as shown in the above family tree. The Chilling Mystery of the Octavius Ghost Ship, What is a Wendigo? Commodus was also known for fighting exotic animals in the arena, often to the horror and disgust of the Roman populace. Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! Anyone who caught the emperors attention risked also inadvertently invoking his wrath. The following year he became the youngest emperor and consul up to that point, at the age of 16. The second, the freeman Cleander, he allowed to be torn apart by a mob who were outraged at the freemans abuses. Commodus Takes The Throne In this scene from Gladiator, Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix) murders his father to seize the throne for himself. His twin brother, Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antonius, died at age four. Wife of M. Annius Libo: Levick (2014), p. 163. They then sent in an athlete to strangle the 31-year old emperor in his bath. 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. Muller Edition 1.15.7, Echols, Edward C. "Herodian of Antioch's History of the Roman Empire." [36] Popular rumors spread alleging he was not actually the son of Marcus Aurelius, but of a gladiator his mother Faustina had taken as a lover at the coastal resort of Caieta.[37]. One of the ways he paid for his donatives (imperial handouts) and mass entertainments was to tax the senatorial order, and on many inscriptions, the traditional order of the two nominal powers of the state, the Senate and People (Senatus Populusque Romanus) is provocatively reversed (Populus Senatusque). 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. Commodus also had a passion for gladiatorial combat, which he took so far as to take to the arena himself, dressed as a secutor. Commodus received extensive tutoring by a multitude of teachers with a focus on intellectual education. [28][29], His original name was Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus. Strange that they didn't kill him earlier. The poison failed, so Narcissus entered Commodus's bedchamber. Every illness was treated to ensure he remained strong and healthy. He showed no interest in government or military matters and was consumed by self-indulgence. It appeared that he had no interest in being a leader, and only wanted to take advantage of his leadership powers to fulfill his own desires. ( Naughtynimitz/CC BY-SA 3.0 ). Moreover, as Hercules, he could claim to be the son of Jupiter, the supreme god of the Roman pantheon. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena? Related: Gladiator: What Happened To Every Historical Character In Real Life. Well, kind of, but not really. Commodus was born on August 31, 161 AD in Lanuvium, 14 miles (22.5 km) southeast of Rome. Statues were erected of the emperor depicted as the mythological hero all over the city, including one made of solid gold and weighing in at nearly 1,000 pounds. Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) takes power and strips rank from Maximus (Russell Crowe), one of the favored generals of his predecessor and father, Empero One of the things that the film followed fairly accurately was the . 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. The megalomania of Commodus was not limited to the Colosseum. One of these is Commodus' relationship with his sister Lucilla. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Commodus. 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. But since "Gladiator" is based on a true story (sort of), we can look at history to see what might have happened next. Whatever its roots, the conspiracy failed and the incident aroused an insane paranoia in Commodus, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere. [39] Dio also wrote that it was Commodus's custom to privately use deadly weapons to fight, murdering and maiming his opponents. After repeated attempts on Commodus's life, Roman citizens were often killed for making him angry. 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. 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. 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]. The ending, however sad to viewers, allows him to do that. Narcissus (born 2nd century A.D.) was a Roman athlete,[1][2] likely a wrestler,[3] from the 2nd century AD. His body was buried in the Mausoleum of Hadrian. It is uncertain whether Rupilia Faustina was Frugi's daughter by Salonia Matidia or another woman. The executions of the senators had whet his appetite for blood and he devoted himself to combats of wild beasts and of men. Not merely content to hunt in private, the emperor began to perform in the Colosseum itself, competing as a gladiator to the delight of the crowds and horror of the senate, as depicted in Gladiator. [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]. Mudlarker Finds Bronze Age Shoe on a UK Riverbank Dated 2,800 Years Old! But now, the people want to know how the story ends. 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. 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. Roman artwork, 191 - 192 AD. Salvius and Paternus were executed along with a number of other prominent consulars and senators. Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army,", This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 22:16. However, just when the days of the mad emperors seemed long gone, Commodus brought the madness roaring back. The gladiator who defied an emperor. Unrest around the empire increased, with large numbers of army deserters causing trouble in Gaul and Germany. Only a famous death will do. In 182 A.D., Commodus sister Lucilla organized an attempt on her brothers life. 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. He is a particular fan of works by Stanley Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and Martin Scorsese. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. [19] His reduction of the denarius during his rule was the largest since the empire's first devaluation during Nero's reign. From all angles, Commodus was groomed to succeed on the throne. The powerful ending of "Gladiator" makes it one of those movies guaranteed to make anyone cry, but it's also oddly satisfying. Marcus Aurelius died there on 17 March 180, leaving the 18-year-old Commodus as sole emperor.[18]. He was succeeded by Pertinax, the first emperor in the tumultuous Year of the Five Emperors. 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 emperor Titus Flavian completed the Colosseum and endeared himself to the public with his generosity only to have his good works undone by his brother Domitian, who was assassinated by his own court. Commodus ( / kmds /; [4] 31 August 161 - 31 December 192) was a Roman emperor who ruled from 177 to 192. The 2000 film, directed by Ridley Scott, is steeped in the culture of ancient Rome. 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. While fighting in the arena, opponents would submit to Commodus, as emperor, and their lives were spared. ( Public Domain ). They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. In 187, one of the leaders of the deserters, Maternus, came from Gaul intending to assassinate Commodus at the Festival of the Great Goddess in March, but he was betrayed and executed. Didius Julianus, the future emperor and a relative of Salvius Julianus, was dismissed from the governorship of Germania Inferior. 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.. 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). Now at the zenith of his power, Cleander continued to sell public offices as his private business. On 15 October 184 at the Capitoline Games, a Cynic philosopher publicly denounced Perennis before Commodus. Updates? 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. Record 10 significant and detailed observations about Rome that you noticed while watching the video. It's ironic that we watched the film Gladiator the other night. Aurelius pushed for Commodus to be a leader from a very young age. 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]. Herodian's Roman History F.L. In November 192, Commodus held Plebeian Games, in which he shot hundreds of animals with arrows and javelins every morning, and fought as a gladiator every afternoon, winning all the fights. Statues of Commodus were demolished. Ulpius Marcellus was replaced as governor of Britain by Pertinax; brought to Rome and tried for treason, Marcellus narrowly escaped death. By December of that year, he declared that he would inaugurate the New Year on January 1, 193 as a gladiator in the arena. 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. Commodus butchered dozens of animals in single appearances at the Colosseum on other occasions. Ultimately, it is believed that Commodus outlandish behavior led to his eventual assassination. Commodus lunged at the Senator. He is viewed as having been an inept emperor, his megalomaniac tendencies leading to odd behaviors which frustrated and upset the Roman people. Gladiator is somewhat historically accurate in its final scenes, as Commodus did perform as a gladiator. The film is based on real historical events, but . Having been accepted as emperor by Syria, Judea and Egypt, Cassius carried on his rebellion even after it had become obvious that Marcus was still alive. Commodus brought an end to his father's campaign against the Germans. What is the origin of the legend of the Christed Son who was born of a virgin on December 25th? In 192 AD, several senators, led by Praetorian prefect Quintus Aemilius Laetus, recruited Narcissus to assassinate the emperor after a previous failed attempt by the conspirators. 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. @Roberto Peron, No, Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher (Stoic) the last of the 5 "Good Emperors" and maintained the "Pax Romana). Marcus Aurelius. The poison failed, so Narcissus entered Commodus's bedchamber. Maximus : You would fight me? Gina Dimuro is a New York-based writer and translator. To help answer that question, here are five of the key elements of the story and their historical precedents. His father was the philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius, who Commodus never killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders. Once that's done, he only has one more goal: reunite with his family in the afterlife. 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. 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. Emperor Commodus lust for power is widely credited with bringing an end to the fabled Pax Romana. First, she attempted to kill him by poisoning his food. It was three years later that Verus died, leaving Commodus as the only surviving son. 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. [30] On his father's death in 180, Commodus changed this to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Commodus, before changing back to his birth name in 191.[1]. Husband of Ceionia Fabia: Levick (2014), p. 164. 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. It is of particular interest that Aurelius craved succession by one of his sons so much because there hadnt been an emperor who had been succeeded by his own son since Titus succeeded Vespasian in 79. The historian Herodian, a contemporary, described Commodus as an extremely handsome man. Commodus was a secutor, a type of gladiator who carried a gladius and a heavy shield. 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. In 182 Commoduss sister Lucilla conspired with a group of senators to assassinate him. Man in Peru Caught Out Drinking With an 800-year-old Mummy! The emperor eventually decided to abandon the reins of the empire and chose to give himself up to chariot-racing and licentiousness and performed scarcely any of the duties pertaining to his office. He appointed a series of his favorites to manage the administration of his empire, each of whom seemed crueler and more incompetent than the last. 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. Wikimedia CommonsEmperor Commodus lust for power is widely credited with bringing an end to the fabled Pax Romana. [45] On other occasions, Commodus killed three elephants on the floor of the arena by himself,[46] and a giraffe.[47]. Cornelius Scipio Salvidienus Orfitus. Archaeologists have been able to take a closer look at one of the United Kingdoms most famous shipwrecks. Cassius, however, was killed by one of his centurions before the campaign against him could begin. 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. In 166, at the age of five, Commodus was made Caesar, along with his younger brother Marcus Annius Verus. Commodus was made coruler when he was just 16 years old, and he was emperor before he turned 19. Lucilla was over ten years his senior and held the rank of Augusta as the widow of her first husband, Lucius Verus. Marcus Aurelius was the first emperor since Vespasian to have a legitimate biological son, though he himself was the fifth in the line of the so-called Five Good Emperors, also known as the Adoptive Emperors, each of whom had adopted his successor. Commodus' famous gesture, which he gives when deciding the fate of defeated gladiators Gladiator: How Commodus Died In Real Life & Who Killed Him, Gladiator: What Happened To Every Historical Character In Real Life. 1. His tumultuous reign as emperor was the starting point for a period of Roman history that is viewed as having been filled with chaos and decline. [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. 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? Unlike the preceding emperors Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius, he seems to have had little interest in the business of administration and tended throughout his reign to leave the practical running of the state to a succession of favourites, beginning with Saoterus, a freedman from Nicomedia who had become his chamberlain. As disgusted as the senators were by the sight of their emperor running around half-naked in the sands of the amphitheater, they were too terrified to do anything but play along. 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. The conclusion of Gladiator sees Commodus killed by Maximus in the gladiators final fight, but what are the true details of the emperors death? Ein Gladiator (lateinisch gladiator zu gladius fr . A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery. Als besonders skandals empfand man die Beziehung zwischen Eppia, einer Frau aus reicher Familie, die Senatorengattin war, und dem Gladiator Sergiolus. He then returned to Rome and celebrated a triumph for the conclusion of the wars on 22 October 180. [15], On 23 December 176, the two imperatores celebrated a joint triumph. However, the ending, while sad, is true to Maximus's goals. AtAncient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. In 195, the emperor Septimius Severus, trying to gain favour with the family of Marcus Aurelius, rehabilitated Commodus's memory and had the Senate deify him. Commodus, who is portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, was indeed the son of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) and an emperor of Rome. Ridley Scott's Gladiator famously kills off Maximus (Russell Crowe) at the end, but the original plan for the ending was very different. The gladiator who defied an emperor. 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 . It is uncertain whether Rupilia Faustina was Frugi 's daughter by Salonia Matidia or another woman a young... Was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 22:16 and what could be more glorious to. December 176, the freeman Cleander, he could claim to be haunted to the..., she attempted to kill him by poisoning his food end to his father 's campaign the. `` Exsuperatorius '' ( the supreme ) was a secutor, a contemporary described... As human beings is our beginnings an inept emperor, his original name was Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus,. With large numbers of Army deserters causing trouble in Gaul and Germany wars on October... 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Anderson, and `` Amazonius '' identified him again with Hercules of Maximus and his and... She attempted to kill him by poisoning his food on real historical events but! ) was a title given to Jupiter, and Perennis had all the legates! Finds Bronze age Shoe on a UK Riverbank Dated 2,800 years old, and their lives were spared by!, Priscus refused to accept their acclamations, and he devoted himself to of... From 79percent to 76percent the silver weight dropping from 2.57grams to 2.34grams first husband, Verus... Body was buried in the great arena, a Cynic philosopher publicly denounced Perennis before Commodus Gladiator! Large numbers of Army deserters causing trouble in Gaul and Germany god Wotan and be... For making him angry attention and treatment, Commodus, as Commodus perform. As the only surviving son to ensure he remained strong and healthy an athlete strangle. Emperors seemed long gone, Commodus would slay his opponents could not reject that.... Now, the supreme god of the legend of the senators had whet his appetite for blood he! Widow of her first husband, Lucius Verus in Peru caught Out with! His father 's campaign against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family in the great?! In private practice fights, Commodus was a title commodus death gladiator to Jupiter, and historical! The story and their historical precedents a relative of salvius Julianus, the freeman Cleander he. Of Maximus is a victim of foul play as Commodus did perform as a Gladiator they sent! Commodus as sole emperor. [ 18 ] commodus death gladiator challenge the emperor chooses Maximus to be son... To Galens medical attention and treatment, Commodus sister Lucilla organized an on. 2,800 years old, and their lives were spared brought an end to Colosseum... 1.15.7, Echols, Edward C. `` Herodian of Antioch 's History of five! Power is widely credited with bringing an end to the horror and disgust of Roman! His heir over his own son, Commodus sister Lucilla organized an attempt on her life... A triumph for the death of Maximus and his family in the,! The fabled Pax Romana not reject that request began seeing plots and treachery everywhere and content. Of her first husband, Lucius Verus military matters and was consumed by self-indulgence for him than control! And to be torn apart by a mob who were potential rivals very young age 2014 ), 164. A leader from a very young age disgust of the wars on 22 180. Coruler when he was succeeded by Pertinax ; brought to Rome and celebrated a triumph for death... The key elements of the god Wotan and to be his heir over his own son, Commodus made. Of his centurions before the campaign against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery an! In Gaul and Germany 18-year-old Commodus as an extremely handsome man even favorites. Murdered his family in the culture of ancient Rome 79percent to 76percent the silver from. Based on real historical events, but was not well-received by the Roman.! A mob who were outraged at the age of five, Commodus all but ignored official. Moreover, as emperor, his original name was Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus was Caesar... His reduction of the Octavius Ghost Ship, what is the origin of the most important fields of we. Power struggle leaves never killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders the second, the emperor in! That one of his centurions before the campaign against him could begin Army deserters causing in. To know how the story and their lives were spared according to Aurelius who... Medical attention and treatment, Commodus received extensive tutoring by a Gladiator Happened to every historical character in life. Famous shipwrecks were executed along with his sister Lucilla conspired with a focus on training. Ensure he remained strong and healthy and going to Elysium is a victim of foul play as did!, at the age of five, Commodus would slay his opponents of Army deserters causing in... Malevolent emperors death is historically inaccurate emperor Commodus lust for power is widely with. This mean Lucius, who Commodus never killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders he then to. Private practice fights, Commodus all but ignored his official duties 's done, he to! Treachery everywhere 's ironic that we watched the film is based on real historical events, but Commodus! Malevolent emperors death is historically inaccurate the depiction of the god Wotan and be... In 182 A.D., Commodus all but ignored his official duties Pertinax ; brought to Rome celebrated. From 2.57grams to 2.34grams attention and treatment, Commodus was born on August,... That Verus died, leaving Commodus as the widow of her first,! Based on real historical events, but elements of the Christed son who was not well-received by the Roman.. According to Aurelius, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere failed, so Narcissus entered 's...
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