Commodus

Full Name: Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus
Profession: Roman Emperor

Biography: Commodus was ruled the Roman Empire from 180 until his death in 192 AD, during which he was known for his eccentric behavior and his passion for gladiatorial combat.

Commodus became co-emperor with his father, Marcus Aurelius, at the age of 16 in 177 AD. He assumed sole rule after his father's death in 180 AD, making him the youngest emperor thus far and marking the end of a period of Roman stability known as the Pax Romana. Initially, however, Commodus left the running of the state to his advisors.

Throughout his reign, Commodus faced multiple conspiracies. He survived a plot engineered by his sister Lucile in 182 AD. As time went on, his behavior became more arbitrary. He began selling public offices and executing opponents.

Commodus developed a strong interest in gladiatorial combat, often participating himself. He identified strongly with the mythical hero Hercules, even having statues made of himself in the hero's guise. In 192 AD, he renamed Rome after himself and changed the names of all the months to variations of his own name.

The historian Cassius Dio, who witnessed Commodus's reign, described him as guileless but easily influenced by his companions. This led Commodus to adopt lustful and cruel habits.

On December 31, 192 AD, Commodus was assassinated in a conspiracy involving his mistress Marcia and two high-ranking officials. After his death, the Roman Senate declared Commodus a public enemy—nevertheless, he was later deified by the emperor Septimius Severus in 195 AD.

Commodus's reign is often seen as a turning point in Roman history, marking the end of the period of the "Five Good Emperors" and the beginning of the empire's decline.

Born: August 31, 161
Birthplace: Lanuvium, Italy
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: December 31, 192 (aged 31)
Cause of Death: Assassination