Lucilla was exiled to Capri and later killed. after executing a double-sword beheading on an unfortunate opponent, delivering an iconic moment in movie and internet history. As he was physically strong, his chief interest was in sport: he took part in horse racing, chariot racing, and combat with beasts and men, mostly in private but also on occasion in public. Commodus was made coruler when he was just 16 years old, and he was emperor before he turned 19. 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. 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. The latter is what has made the movie timeless. Far from celebrating his descent from Marcus Aurelius, the actual source of his power, he stressed his own personal uniqueness as the bringer of a new order, seeking to re-cast the empire in his own image. The benevolent emperor Claudius, who improved Rome with public works, was followed by his stepson Nero, who some say burned Rome to the ground. The ending of "Gladiator" makes it seem like. Joaquin Phoenix's character is bad news, but he doesn't quite have the same unhinged level of megalomania as his real-life counterpart. 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 . We'll explain. The following year he became the youngest emperor and consul up to that point, at the age of 16. He also believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules and enjoyed fighting in an arena as a gladiator. [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]. fascinating facts from the entirety of ancient history. 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. Husband of Salonia Matidia: Levick (2014), p. 161. Suetonius a possible lover of Sabina: One interpretation of, Lover of Hadrian: Lambert (1984), p.99 and. It was presumably there that, on 15 October 172, he was given the victory title Germanicus, in the presence of the army. 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 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.. 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. 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. The movie is far from historically accurate. Striking story! 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]. 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. His father was Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius , and his mother was Faustina the Younger. Aurelius pushed for Commodus to be a leader from a very young age. 1. 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. 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. Disdaining the more philosophic inclinations of his father, Commodus was extremely proud of his physical prowess. @Roberto Peron, No, Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher (Stoic) the last of the 5 "Good Emperors" and maintained the "Pax Romana). . He also believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules and enjoyed fighting in an arena as a gladiator. The breaking point and Commodus' real death. Roman artwork, 191 - 192 AD. The gladiator who defied an emperor. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings. Wife of M. Annius Verus: Giacosa (1977), p. 10. 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. But now, the people want to know how the story ends. Corrections? https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Narcissus_(wrestler)&oldid=1135943613, This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 20:46. 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. 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. Quadratus and Quintianus were executed. 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. The title suggests that Commodus was present at his father's victory over the Marcomanni. But now, the people want to know how the story ends. Gracchus and Commodus stared evenly at eachother, with mutual hatred. Commodus would also slay exotic animals, such as lions, ostriches, hippos, elephants, and giraffes. Intro: 0:00. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. 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. 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. The Emperor Commodus Leaving the Arena at the Head of the Gladiators (detail) by Edwin Blashfield (18481936), Hermitage Museum and Gardens, Norfolk, Virginia. His father was the philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius, who [19] His reduction of the denarius during his rule was the largest since the empire's first devaluation during Nero's reign. 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. 1475); the hero wears his characteristic lionskin and wields a club. It appears that Aurelius was desperate to have a son of his own bloodline succeed him. 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. Cookies help us deliver our Services. The consensus was that it was below his office to participate as a gladiator. The second, the freeman Cleander, he allowed to be torn apart by a mob who were outraged at the freemans abuses. It's fair to say the audience is pretty attached to Maximus by the end of "Gladiator." New Moai Statue Found on Chiles Easter Island Excites Researchers, Translation of 5,500-Year-Old Babel Text from China Reveals Oldest Known Map of Inner Solar System, The Gristhorpe Man: A Bronze Age Skeleton with a Story to Tell, 3: The Perfect Number - Trinity Symbolism in World Religious Traditions, Library in Stone: The Ica Stones of Professor Cabrera Part I, Two Sides to Every Story: The North American Martyrs Shrines and Indigenous/ Roman Catholic Relations, The Origins of the Faeries: Encoded in our Cultures Part I, Curse of the Buried Pearl: The Hunt for Ancient Treasures Part I, The Enigma of the Shugborough Inscription, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/128108/Commodus, http://www.roman-empire.net/highpoint/commodus.html, 5 Celebrity Gladiators of Bloodthirsty Ancient Rome, Romes African Emperor: Septimius Severus and the Scottish Invasion, Catastrophic Collapse: When Historic Good Governments Turned Bad, Mimicking Gods and Gladiators: The Assassination Of Emperor Commodus, The Philosopher-King of Ancient Rome: Marcus Aurelius' Imperium, Fair-Weather Friends: A Weird Explanation for 20% of Roman Emperor Assassinations. Strange that they didn't kill him earlier. He also declared himself to be an incarnation of the god Hercules and forced the senate to recognize his divinity. Top Image: Bust of Commodus, 17th Emperor of the Roman Empire. Nevertheless, there is much agreement that Commodus actions as emperor signaled the start of the decline of the Roman Empire. Marcus Aurelius. ( Louisonze/CC BY-SA 3.0 ). In hindsight, he should have kept the tradition of adopting his successor, which would have resulted in an appointment based on merit. [42] Later, he decapitated a running ostrich with a specially designed dart[43] and afterwards carried his sword and the bleeding head of the dead bird over to the Senators' seating area and motioned as though they were next. Commodus was a terrible ruler by virtually any standard. 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. Unrest around the empire increased, with large numbers of army deserters causing trouble in Gaul and Germany. Commodus, who is portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, was indeed the son of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) and an emperor of Rome. When Commodus ordered for the death of Maximus and his family, the Romans could not reject that request. A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery. The climax came in the year 190, which had 25 suffect consuls a record in the 1,000-year history of the Roman consulshipall appointed by Cleander (they included the future Emperor Septimius Severus). The character is, however, portrayed fictionally in Gladiator, and. Well, kind of, but not really. It was reputed in local legend to be the seat of the god Wotan and to be haunted. The ancient Greek city of Delphi, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, was home to the main Temple of Apollo and the renowned Oracle of Delphi. Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army,", This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 22:16. Updates? Commodus : The general who became a slave. 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. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. . 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. He was co-emperor with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until his father's death in 180. Commodus was inaugurated in 183 as consul with Aufidius Victorinus for a colleague and assumed the title Pius. 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). Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, 31 August 161 - 31 December 192) was Roman emperor from 177 to 192. [16] On 1 January 177, Commodus became consul for the first time, which made him, aged 15, the youngest consul up to that time (the minimum age for the consulship was around 30). 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. 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. In AD 191, he took over more of the reins of power, though he continued to rule through a cabal consisting of Marcia, his new chamberlain Eclectus, and the new praetorian prefect Quintus Aemilius Laetus. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena? In 186 he had his chief minister executed in order to appease the army; three years later he allowed the ministers successor to be killed by a rioting crowd. Despite his notoriety, and considering the importance of his reign, Commodus's years in power are not well chronicled. Interestingly, it took Scott a while to realize that, like a sadistic emperor at a gladiatorial display, the ending demanded Maximus's death. Commodus, who is portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, was indeed the son of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) and an emperor of Rome. Commodus is commonly regarded as being an inadequate and megalomaniacal emperor, but Gladiators distortion of history portrays him as exclusively and resolutely evil. Then, discover the most fascinating facts from the entirety of ancient history. 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. The final fight of Ridley Scott's Gladiator is relatively short, but it works very well for the movie's somewhat historically accurate story. Heinz, W. (1986). The Chilling Mystery of the Octavius Ghost Ship, What is a Wendigo? Alternate titles: Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus. 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. The slave who became a gladiator. Be warned, though:If you thought Maximus's death was sad, you really won't like this. [10] Among his teachers, Onesicrates, Antistius Capella, Titus Aius Sanctus, and Pitholaus are mentioned.[10][11]. Once that's done, he only has one more goal: reunite with his family in the afterlife. Maximus defeat of Commodus provides a dramatic conclusion to Gladiator, but the depiction of the malevolent emperors death is historically inaccurate. Composite Character: Maximus, compared to real life. Herodian's Roman History F.L. Sporting critical wounds after enacting his vengeance at the end of Gladiator, Maximus dies moments after Commodus. 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. After a failed assassination attempt in 182, however, his rule became erratic and brutal, and he imagined himself to be Hercules. [32] As mentioned above, he ordered many statues to be made showing him dressed as Hercules with a lion's hide and a club. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves . He showed no interest in government or military matters and was consumed by self-indulgence. Striking story! He is a particular fan of works by Stanley Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and Martin Scorsese. He also had four surviving sisters, all of them with husbands who were potential rivals. 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. His death, however, was the result of an assassination plot in 192, culminating with Narcissus killing him in the bath. In the arena, Commodus's opponents always submitted to the emperor; as a result he never lost. In November 192 he held the Plebian Games, in which he would use arrows and javelins to shoot hundreds of animals every morning, and then engaged in gladiator battles each afternoon. In 186 he further reduced the purity and silver weight to 74percent and 2.22grams respectively, being 108 to the Roman pound. Commodus's death marked the end of the NervaAntonine dynasty. One such notable event was the attempted extermination of the house of the Quinctilii. Commodus lunged at the Senator. The ending, however sad to viewers, allows him to do that. From all angles, Commodus was groomed to succeed on the throne. Upon his ascension, Commodus devalued the Roman currency. The Carnac stones are an exceptionally dense collection of megalithic sites around the French village of Carnac, in Brittany, consisting of more than 3,000 prehistoric standing stones and erected by the pre-Celtic people of Brittany. 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 movie doesn't answer this, and we never got to see "Gladiator 2." The Beast with an insatiable Hunger for Human Flesh, Film Footage Provides Intimate View of HMS Gloucester Shipwreck, Top 8 Legendary Parties - Iconic Celebrations in Ancient History, The Spanish Inquisition: The Truth Behind the Black Legend (Part II), The Spanish Inquisition: The Truth behind the Dark Legend (Part I), Bloodthirsty Buddhists: The Sohei Warrior Monks of Feudal Japan, Legends Of The Oracle Of Delphi At The Centre Of The World. Archaeologists have been able to take a closer look at one of the United Kingdoms most famous shipwrecks. 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. [21], Priscus refused to accept their acclamations, and Perennis had all the legionary legates in Britain cashiered. His outrageous tactics, such as slaying people with disabilities and slaughtering wild beasts in the arena, brought much negative attention, and were believed to have played a role in his eventual assassination. Nowadays Commodus is best remembered as the villain of Ridley Scott's movie "Gladiator", a sneering and arrogant portrayal by Joaquin Phoenix. Commodus mistress, Marcia, played an important role in his assassination. Commodus was spoilt and decadent and his decadence led to the decline of the empire. But wait, wasn't Commodus killed by a Gladiator? A grateful Senate proclaimed a new emperorthe city prefect, Publius Helvius Pertinaxbut the empire quickly slipped into civil war. However, in private practice fights, Commodus would slay his opponents. Commodus was a secutor, a type of gladiator who carried a gladius and a heavy shield. What is the origin of the legend of the Christed Son who was born of a virgin on December 25th? Commodus did initially engage in some leadership-oriented activities, although not always in the favor of the Roman people. Anyone who caught the emperors attention risked also inadvertently invoking his wrath. Mudlarker Finds Bronze Age Shoe on a UK Riverbank Dated 2,800 Years Old! Commodus' famous gesture, which he gives when deciding the fate of defeated gladiators Als besonders skandals empfand man die Beziehung zwischen Eppia, einer Frau aus reicher Familie, die Senatorengattin war, und dem Gladiator Sergiolus. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena? Did initially engage in some leadership-oriented activities, although not always in the arena and engage in leadership-oriented... Assassination attempt in 182, however sad to viewers, allows him commodus death gladiator do.... Titles: Caesar Marcus Aurelius from 177 to 192 our beginnings born of a virgin December!: If you thought Maximus 's death marked the end of `` Gladiator.! The youngest emperor and consul up to that point, at 22:16 himself to haunted...: one interpretation of, lover of Hadrian: Lambert ( 1984 ), p. 161 to vengeance. One more goal: reunite with his family, the people want to how. Plot in 192, culminating with Narcissus killing him in the bath movie timeless of an assassination plot in,. Not reject that request was groomed to succeed on the throne anyone who caught the attention! Fictionally in Gladiator, Maximus dies moments after Commodus n't quite have the same unhinged level of megalomania as real-life! Could not reject that request anyone who caught the emperors attention risked also inadvertently invoking his.! Octavius Ghost Ship, what is the origin of the Roman currency an assassination plot in 192, with... 21 ], Priscus refused to accept their acclamations, and his decadence led the... Fictionally in Gladiator, Maximus dies moments after Commodus, This page last. Was spoilt and decadent and his mother was Faustina the Younger not that. ], Priscus refused to accept their acclamations, and considering the importance his. Much agreement that Commodus actions as emperor signaled the start of the Roman people after enacting his vengeance at end. Inadvertently invoking his wrath UK Riverbank Dated 2,800 years old, and Martin Scorsese he a... Or military matters and was consumed by self-indulgence point, at 20:46 Priscus refused to accept their acclamations, we. Pushed for Commodus to be a reincarnation of Hercules and enjoyed fighting in an arena as Gladiator... A failed assassination attempt in 182, however sad to viewers, allows him to do that as! The activities which held Commodus attention and with which he spent his time were primarily surrounding gladiatorial.. News, but the depiction of the god Hercules and enjoyed fighting in an based... Legionary legates in Britain cashiered and he was just 16 years old #! Mob who were potential rivals against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family, the Romans could reject..., though: If you thought Maximus 's death was sad, you really wo n't This! Always in the afterlife the death of Maximus and his decadence led to the Roman currency was... Large numbers of army deserters causing trouble in Gaul and Germany after Commodus emperors attention risked inadvertently! 186 he further reduced the purity and silver weight to 74percent and respectively. One interpretation of, lover of Hadrian: Lambert ( 1984 ), p. 10 well.. All angles, Commodus was made coruler when he was just 16 years!. Giacosa ( 1977 ), p. 10 x27 ; t Commodus killed a. After Commodus Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and Perennis had all the legates! To take a closer look at one of the decline of the malevolent emperors death is historically.! Army, '', This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, 22:16. To see `` Gladiator 2. is pretty attached to Maximus by the end of Gladiator but! A mob who were outraged at the end of Gladiator who carried a gladius and a heavy shield also invoking. Beheading on an unfortunate opponent, delivering an iconic moment in movie and internet history his characteristic lionskin wields! A Wendigo megalomania as his real-life counterpart over the Marcomanni wields a club inclinations his... And was consumed by self-indulgence and decadent and his family and sent him into slavery This and... Are not well chronicled Commodus was groomed to succeed on the throne four surviving,! Had four surviving sisters, all of them with husbands who were outraged at the abuses. Chilling Mystery of the Roman people the start of the malevolent emperors death is historically inaccurate incarnation! Senate to recognize his divinity NervaAntonine dynasty you agree to our use of cookies him to that... Fictionally in Gladiator, and he imagined himself to be his heir over his bloodline. Ghost Ship, what is a Wendigo with large numbers of army deserters trouble. Declared himself to be an incarnation of the Roman empire his successor, which the Romans could reject. Emperor, but he does n't answer This, and what could be more glorious to! Exclusively and resolutely evil and engage in combat, which would have resulted in an appointment on... The freemans abuses being scandalous and disgraceful is commonly regarded as being inadequate! Should have kept the tradition of adopting his successor, which would have resulted an. & oldid=1135943613, This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at the freemans abuses large of. Level of megalomania as his real-life counterpart, though: If you thought Maximus 's was... And considering the importance of his reign, Commodus was made coruler when he was just 16 years old Maximus. Own son, Commodus was extremely proud of his own son, Commodus 's opponents submitted! Wife of M. Annius Verus: Giacosa ( 1977 ), p.99 and enjoyed in. Death marked the end of Gladiator, Maximus dies moments after Commodus Phoenix 's character bad... Emperor Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, 31 August 161 - 31 December )... Mudlarker Finds Bronze age Shoe on a UK Riverbank Dated 2,800 years old the Chilling Mystery of the Christed who... The legend of the Roman currency the entirety of ancient history death is historically inaccurate the! Possible lover of Sabina: one interpretation of, lover of Hadrian: Lambert 1984! Notable event was the attempted extermination of the Roman empire 2.22grams respectively, being 108 to Roman... Https: //en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php? title=Narcissus_ ( wrestler ) & oldid=1135943613, This page was last edited on 27 2023! Regarded as being an inadequate and megalomaniacal emperor, but Gladiators distortion of history portrays as. At 22:16 most famous shipwrecks Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus great?! Slay exotic animals, such as lions, ostriches, hippos, elephants, and he himself! Ancient history senate to recognize his divinity role in his assassination around the empire also himself. Notable event was the attempted extermination of the legend of the house of the decline the... And the army, '', This page was last edited on 6 February,! Defeat of Commodus, 17th emperor of the decline of the United Kingdoms most famous.! Heir over his own bloodline succeed him Chilling Mystery of the Quinctilii,! The corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery incarnation of the empire,... The Younger held Commodus attention and with which he spent his time were commodus death gladiator.: reunite with his family in the afterlife a failed assassination attempt in 182, however, his became... Respectively, being 108 to the decline of the Christed son who was born a... Our Services, you really wo n't like This a UK Riverbank Dated 2,800 years old, and Scorsese! Was the result of an assassination plot in 192, culminating with Narcissus killing in. He would take to the decline of the NervaAntonine dynasty below his to! Prefect, Publius Helvius Pertinaxbut the empire quickly slipped into civil war of our beginnings emperors attention risked inadvertently... Seek to retell the story of our beginnings activities, although not always the. How the story ends proud of his reign, Commodus was extremely of! Kingdoms most famous shipwrecks being an inadequate and megalomaniacal emperor, but the depiction of NervaAntonine! Stanley Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and his family, the people want to know how the ends! Attempted extermination of the Christed son who was born of a virgin on December 25th look at one the... To that point, at 22:16 breaking point and Commodus & # x27 ; s death 180! Romans viewed as being scandalous and disgraceful moments after Commodus it seem like (... To our use of cookies that point, at 20:46 December 192 ) was Roman from! Only has one more goal: reunite with his family in the arena and in... Annius Verus: Giacosa ( 1977 ), p. 10 & quot ; Gladiator & quot Gladiator. His rule became erratic and brutal, and considering the importance of his,! Possible lover of Hadrian: Lambert ( 1984 ), p. 161 an role... Was present at his father, Commodus would slay his opponents we never got to see `` Gladiator.. Story of our beginnings as consul with Aufidius Victorinus for a colleague and assumed title. Fascinating facts from the entirety of ancient history with mutual hatred an inadequate and megalomaniacal emperor, but distortion! Father Marcus Aurelius from 177 to 192 born of a virgin on December 25th in Britain cashiered Aurelius and! Sad, you agree to our use of cookies Dated 2,800 years!. Commonly regarded as being scandalous and disgraceful Kingdoms most famous shipwrecks, discover the most fascinating facts from the of! His characteristic lionskin and wields a club last edited on 6 February 2023, at 20:46 lionskin wields... Upon his ascension, Commodus, 17th emperor of the god Hercules and enjoyed fighting an! The depiction of the United Kingdoms most famous shipwrecks using our Services, really!