Commodus, Emperor of Rome

A disastrous Emperor who came to a predictable end

The Roman Empire was led by a series of thoroughly worthy emperors after the death of Domitian in 96 AD. According to the 18th century historian Edward Gibbon, there were then “five good emperors”, the last of them being Marcus Aurelius, who died in 180.

Gibbon began his account of the “Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” at this point, his reason being that the next incumbent, Commodus, broke the “good” sequence with a vengeance!

Commodus

Lucius Aurelius Commodus was born on 31st August 161. His father, the “Philosopher Emperor” Marcus Aurelius, did everything he could to prepare his son to be his successor by giving him the best education that could be devised, as well as involving Commodus in the business of government from the age of 15.

There was surely every hope that wisdom and justice would continue to be the guiding principles for the Empire’s future. Unfortunately, these hopes were destined to be dashed in no uncertain way.

Marcus Aurelius died suddenly in March 180 while on campaign, which meant that Commodus became emperor when not yet 19 years old.

It did not take long for people to realise that the careful preparation for office lavished on his son…