Commodus was born on August 31, 161 AD, coincidentally sharing a birthdate with Caligula.
He was the son of Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome’s “Five Good Emperors,” and the first emperor “born in the purple” (while his father was emperor).
Commodus became co-emperor with his father at the age of 16 and sole emperor at 18 when Marcus Aurelius died.
He was obsessed with gladiatorial combat and often participated in the arena himself, fighting against disabled opponents or wild animals.
Commodus renamed Rome “Colonia Commodiana” (Colony of Commodus) and tried to rename all twelve months after himself.
He identified himself with the demigod Hercules and often appeared in public dressed as the mythical hero.
Commodus was known for his extravagance and narcissism, commissioning numerous statues of himself throughout Rome.
He survived multiple assassination attempts, including one orchestrated by his older sister Lucilla.
His reign is often considered the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire.
Commodus was ultimately assassinated on New Year’s Eve 192 AD, strangled in his bath by his wrestling partner Narcissus.
Commodus is portrayed as the antagonist in the 2000 film “Gladiator,” although the movie takes significant liberties with historical accuracy for dramatic effect.
