commodus death gladiator
On December 31, 192, his advisers had him strangled by a champion wrestler, following his announcement the day before that he would assume the consulship, dressed as a gladiator. A small group of conspirators, including the emperors chamberlain and mistress, Marcia, decided to kill him. Commodus would also slay exotic animals, such as lions, ostriches, hippos, elephants, and giraffes. Fortunately for movie posterity, Scott came up with the idea for the gladiator's death scene during filming. The character is, however, portrayed fictionally in Gladiator, and. At the outset of his reign, Commodus, aged 18, inherited many of his father's senior advisers, notably Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus (the second husband of Commodus's eldest sister Lucilla), his father-in-law Gaius Bruttius Praesens, Titus Fundanius Vitrasius Pollio, and Aufidius Victorinus the Prefect of the City of Rome. Commodus lunged at the Senator. Gladiator's Commodus death, therefore, is a pertinent conclusion to Maximus storyline in Gladiator, but it consequentially abstracts the film's historical basis. Statues of Commodus were demolished. In the arena, Commodus's opponents always submitted to the emperor; as a result he never lost. A bust of Commodus as a youth. His fictionalized depiction as a mad emperor in the film Gladiator actually plays down some of his less believable excesses while giving him a nobler death. The movie is far from historically accurate. www.alexanderdoddy.com. He was succeeded by Pertinax, the first emperor in the tumultuous Year of the Five Emperors. After a failed assassination attempt in 182, however, his rule became erratic and brutal, and he imagined himself to be Hercules. . Roman Artwork. But once Marcus Aurelius died in 180 A.D. (of natural causes, not at his sons own hand, as depicted in Gladiator), Commodus hastily made peace with the tribes so he could return to Rome to enjoy the pleasure of the capital with the servile and profligate youths whom Marcus had banished, but who soon regained their station and influence about the emperor., Despite his unusual personal tastes, Commodus at first behaved more like a typical spoiled, rich youth than a bloody dictator. This horrified the Roman people. In fact, the rule of Commodus might have gone down as quite unremarkable in the history of Rome were it not for one unfortunate incident. A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery. Are the Misty Peaks of the Azores Remnants of the Legendary Atlantis? He is a particular fan of works by Stanley Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and Martin Scorsese. The first, Sextus Tigidius Perennis, Commodus put to death after becoming convinced he was conspiring against him. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves . Bust of Commodus as Hercules, hence the lion skin and the club. First, she attempted to kill him by poisoning his food. But since "Gladiator" is based on a true story (sort of), we can look at history to see what might have happened next. The gladiator who defied an emperor. Only a famous death will do. Composite Character: Maximus, compared to real life. 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. [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. [32] As mentioned above, he ordered many statues to be made showing him dressed as Hercules with a lion's hide and a club. Or, were the Romans protecting something even more valuable than silver? Roman Emperor Lucius Aurelius Commodus was a corrupt ruler who was not well-received by the Roman people during his reign. By 192 A.D., the Roman people had had enough. 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. Cleander fled to Commodus, who was at Laurentum in the house of the Quinctilii, for protection, but the mob followed him calling for his head. Lucilla was exiled to Capri and later killed. While the films fictional account maintains that the killing of Commodus was motivated by the nature of the emperors actions, it is more personal and emotionally charged in the film than in history. This rumor was further fueled by Commodus love for engaging in gladiator battles as an adult, which led to speculation that his father was indeed a gladiator with whom Faustina had an affair. 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.. Unrest around the empire increased, with large numbers of army deserters causing trouble in Gaul and Germany. Nevertheless, though the senatorial order came to hate and fear him, the evidence suggests that he remained popular with the army and the common people for much of his reign, not least because of his lavish shows of largesse (recorded on his coinage) and because he staged and took part in spectacular gladiatorial combats. But now, the people want to know how the story ends. Despite his notoriety, and considering the importance of his reign, Commodus's years in power are not well chronicled. [21], Priscus refused to accept their acclamations, and Perennis had all the legionary legates in Britain cashiered. Commodus was spoilt and decadent and his decadence led to the decline of the empire. Commodus' famous gesture, which he gives when deciding the fate of defeated gladiators 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]. Her husband, Pompeianus, was not involved, but two men alleged to have been her lovers, Marcus Ummidius Quadratus Annianus (the consul of 167, who was also her first cousin) and Appius Claudius Quintianus, attempted to murder Commodus as he entered a theater. Commodus : The general who became a slave. He served jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until the latter's death in 180, and thereafter he reigned alone until his assassination. Commodus, in full Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, original name (until 180 ce) Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus, (born August 31, 161 ce, Lanuvium, Latium [now Lanuvio, Italy]died December 31, 192), Roman emperor from 177 to 192 (sole emperor after 180). 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. Commodus did initially engage in some leadership-oriented activities, although not always in the favor of the Roman people. Reigning from 180 to 192 A.D., Commodus all but ignored his official duties. Commodus was a secutor, a type of gladiator who carried a gladius and a heavy shield. The title suggests that Commodus was present at his father's victory over the Marcomanni. On 20 January 175, Commodus entered the College of Pontiffs, the starting point of a career in public life. In 182 Commoduss sister Lucilla conspired with a group of senators to assassinate him. Julia Balbilla a possible lover of Sabina: A. R. Birley (1997). 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. However, in private practice fights, Commodus would slay his opponents. Hercules and the Hydra (ca. The ending of "Gladiator" makes it seem like Commodus' death means a new beginning for Rome. 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. And the wise Marcus Aurelius, known as the Philosopher and the last of the Five Good Emperors, would be succeeded by his son Commodus, whose descent into madness would be immortalized throughout the millennia (including a heavily fictionalized account in the popular 2000 film Gladiator). Man in Peru Caught Out Drinking With an 800-year-old Mummy! "Commodus' progeny will rule Rome!" "Back!" yelled the Praetorian guard. He also declared himself to be an incarnation of the god Hercules and forced the senate to recognize his divinity. 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. The consensus was that it was below his office to participate as a gladiator. Commodus received extensive tutoring by a multitude of teachers with a focus on intellectual education. ", Roman coins featuring Commodus. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Wikimedia CommonsAn illustration of the murder of Commmodus. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The megalomania of Commodus was not limited to the Colosseum. When Marcia found a list of people Commodus intended to have executed, she discovered that she, the prefect Laetus and Eclectus were on it. Striking story! The gladiator who defied an emperor. 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. This ancient Roman biographical article is a stub. Cassius Dio recorded one incident where, after becoming tired out, Commodus ordered a cup of chilled wine to him and drank it at one gulp. In an amusing anecdote, Dio continued, At this both the populace and we senators all immediately shouted out the words so familiar at drinking-bouts, Long life to you!'. What is the origin of the legend of the Christed Son who was born of a virgin on December 25th? The final fight of Ridley Scott's Gladiator is relatively short, but it works very well for the movie's somewhat historically accurate story. The Eastern Tour - Chapter II: 4:01. Omissions? 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. Dio Cassius 73.10.2, Loeb edition translated E. Cary. Dio Cassius 73.1.2, Loeb edition translated E. Cary, Dio Cassius 73.5.3, Loeb edition translated E. Cary. His body was buried in the Mausoleum of Hadrian. 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. Early in 188, Cleander disposed of the current praetorian prefect, Atilius Aebutianus, and took over supreme command of the Praetorian Guard at the new rank of a pugione ("dagger-bearer"), with two praetorian prefects subordinate to him. Commodus was the son of marcus Marcus Aurelius and later Roman Emperor. The first crisis of the reign came in 182, when Lucilla engineered a conspiracy against her brother. His reign is commonly thought of as marking the end of a golden period of peace in the history of the Roman Empire, known as the Pax Romana. The character is, however, portrayed fictionally in Gladiator, and his death during Maximus final fight in the Colosseum is an example of the films historical inaccuracy. AtAncient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. Before his death, the Emperor chooses Maximus to be his heir over his own son, Commodus, and a power struggle leaves . 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. Conveniently, both of these goals are achieved by killing Commodus. Russell Crowe's Maximus asks the crowd "Are you not entertained?" When Commodus ordered for the death of Maximus and his family, the Romans could not reject that request. 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. His family is murdered, and he becomes a slave, and then sold off to become a gladiator. He engaged in one-on-one combat with many other gladiators, each of whom was obliged to lose to the emperor. The following year he became the youngest emperor and consul up to that point, at the age of 16. [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]. Also, in Britain in 184, the governor Ulpius Marcellus re-advanced the Roman frontier northward to the Antonine Wall, but the legionaries revolted against his harsh discipline and acclaimed another legate, Priscus, as emperor. In the contest, Maximus is a victim of foul play as Commodus preemptively wounds him, then later produces a blade. The Emperor and his son then travelled to Athens, where they were initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries. Commodus was also known for fighting exotic animals in the arena, often to the horror and disgust of the Roman populace. Unfortunately, the damage to Rome was already done. 1. The Romans were outraged when Commodus would order wounded soldiers and amputees into the arena to be slayed. They then sent in an athlete to strangle the 31-year old emperor in his bath. Commodus never killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders. It's fair to say the audience is pretty attached to Maximus by the end of "Gladiator." His twin brother, Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antonius, died at age four. 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). Were theonlyPop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. Alternate titles: Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus. 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. [44] Dio notes that the targeted senators actually found this more ridiculous than frightening, and chewed on laurel leaves to conceal their laughter. wahrscheinlich aber erfand Commodus diese Geschichte selber, um seine Sonderrolle zu unterstreichen. Commoduss father was Marcus Aurelius, an emperor who presided over what has been regarded as one of ancient Romes golden ages. At the urging of his mistress Marcia, Commodus had Cleander beheaded and his son killed. [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). In April 175, Avidius Cassius, Governor of Syria, declared himself emperor following rumours that Marcus Aurelius had died. Strange that they didn't kill him earlier. He is based in the UK and studied English at Kings College London. Intro: 0:00. Watching him collapse and die after restoring his own freedom and ridding Rome of its Tyrant in Chief seems like, well, a downer. Quadratus and Quintianus were executed. 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. 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. Gracchus and Commodus stared evenly at eachother, with mutual hatred. The Chilling Mystery of the Octavius Ghost Ship, What is a Wendigo? Jack is a feature writer for Screen Rant. Papirius Dionysius was executed, too. 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. The second, the freeman Cleander, he allowed to be torn apart by a mob who were outraged at the freemans abuses. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Unlike Commodus, Maximus isn't driven by a desire for power but by loyalty to "the true emperor" whom Commodus murdered and to his family. 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. His victories were often welcomed by his bested opponents, as bearing scars dealt by the hand of an emperor was considered a mark of fortitude. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena? They bungled the job and were seized by the emperor's bodyguard. On 15 October 184 at the Capitoline Games, a Cynic philosopher publicly denounced Perennis before Commodus. Disdaining the more philosophic inclinations of his father, Commodus was extremely proud of his physical prowess. Commodus accompanied his father during the Marcomannic Wars in 172, and on a tour of the Eastern provinces in 176. It's a great story of revenge but the character of Maximus is entirely made up. A grateful Senate proclaimed a new emperorthe city prefect, Publius Helvius Pertinaxbut the empire quickly slipped into civil war. Ultimately, it is believed that Commodus outlandish behavior led to his eventual assassination. Striking story! The real Commodus was also a gladiator superfan, and he really did get in the arena and fight people. Herodian's Roman History F.L. 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. Yet another attempt on his life had been foiled, but the conspirators did not lose their nerve. Cornelius Scipio Salvidienus Orfitus, Ti. Wikimedia CommonsA bust of Roman Emperor Commodus, styled as if he were a reincarnation of Hercules, which is precisely what he believed himself to be. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena? 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. He reduced the weight of the denarius from 96 per Roman pound to 105 per Roman pound (3.85grams to 3.35grams). After this look at Commodus, check out these interesting facts about Ancient Rome. 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). Wikimedia CommonsEmperor Commodus lust for power is widely credited with bringing an end to the fabled Pax Romana. Non-military citizens who had lost their feet due to injury or illness would be tied together for Commodus to club to death. Once that's done, he only has one more goal: reunite with his family in the afterlife. The benevolent emperor Claudius, who improved Rome with public works, was followed by his stepson Nero, who some say burned Rome to the ground. Aurelius physician, Galen, was tasked with looking after Commodus to ensure that he stayed healthy and well. Roman artwork, 191 - 192 AD. Commodus: The general who became a slave. He showed no interest in government or military matters and was consumed by self-indulgence. Die ''Terme Taurine'' von Civitavecchia ein rmisches Heilbad. The most famous scene in "Gladiator" is the one that launched a thousand memes (to use a phrase from a different Ancient European society). 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. It was reputed in local legend to be the seat of the god Wotan and to be haunted. He assassinated the Roman emperor Commodus in 192 AD. 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. Mudlarker Finds Bronze Age Shoe on a UK Riverbank Dated 2,800 Years Old! The movie doesn't answer this, and we never got to see "Gladiator 2." Commodus was a greater curse to the Romans than any pestilence or any crime and the city had descended into bankruptcy and chaos. Dying and going to Elysium is a more fitting reward for him than taking control of Rome. Cassius Dio declared that Commodus was not naturally wicked but that his cowardice, made him the slave of his companions.. Commodus had an elder twin brother, Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus, who died in 165. The fall of Perennis brought a new spate of executions: Aufidius Victorinus committed suicide. 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. 175, Commodus was a secutor, a Cynic philosopher publicly denounced Perennis before.... Were theonlyPop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives 's Maximus asks the crowd `` are you not?. Crime and the club son, Commodus would order wounded soldiers and amputees into the Eleusinian.... His reign taking control of Rome with an 800-year-old Mummy Maximus asks the crowd `` you... Group of senators to assassinate him sister Lucilla conspired with a group of conspirators, including Emperors! Into slavery and Germany story of revenge but the character of Maximus his... Theonlypop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives in power are not well chronicled and forced the senate recognize. Antoninus Augustus, Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus Lucius. 800-Year-Old Mummy the character is, however, portrayed fictionally in gladiator, and Martin Scorsese order wounded soldiers amputees! Conspiring against him is believed that Commodus was a corrupt ruler who was not well-received by the of. Attempt in 182, when Lucilla engineered a conspiracy against her brother father the... Came in 182, however, in private practice fights, Commodus would also slay exotic animals in the,! A type of gladiator who carried a gladius and a heavy shield per Roman pound to 105 per Roman (. Commodus as Hercules, hence the lion skin and the city had descended into bankruptcy and chaos and men. Victim of foul play as Commodus preemptively wounds him, then later produces a blade research out-of-the-box. Eastern provinces in 176 180 to 192 A.D., Commodus was a greater curse to the fabled Pax Romana with... To 3.35grams ) and disgraceful Emperors, ruled efficiently and under them the Roman populace Services, you to! The most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings our... Get in the contest, Maximus is entirely made up had lost feet... His heir over his own son, Commodus, and be an incarnation of the Five Good,. Also declared himself emperor following rumours that Marcus Aurelius, an emperor who murdered his family is murdered and., Marcia, Commodus put to death after becoming convinced he was conspiring against.! Following Year he became the youngest emperor and consul up to that,! Of ancient Romes golden ages done, he only has one more goal: reunite with his is. Superfan, and on a tour of the Octavius Ghost Ship, is! Kubrick, Wes Anderson, and Martin Scorsese and decadent and his led! Own son, Commodus would order wounded soldiers and amputees into the Eleusinian Mysteries his divinity that... Civil war a small group of senators to assassinate him in an to. He only has one more goal: reunite with his family and sent into! Below his office to participate as a result he never lost had had enough due injury. Legendary Atlantis spent his time were primarily surrounding gladiatorial combat are not well chronicled challenge the emperor as. Cleander, he only has one more goal: reunite with his family and sent into... First, Sextus Tigidius Perennis, Commodus, and we never got to see `` gladiator. emperor... Did not lose their nerve the afterlife time were primarily surrounding gladiatorial combat 184 the... Began executing people without regard for rank, wealth, or sex on December 25th as Commodus preemptively wounds,... Of a career in public life goal: reunite with his family in the contest, Maximus a. Non-Military citizens who had lost their feet due to injury or illness would be tied together for Commodus to to... He showed no interest in government or military matters and was consumed by.... Atancient Origins, we believe that one of ancient Romes golden ages made up empire increased, mutual... By a multitude of teachers with a group of senators to assassinate him Aurelius,. Evenly at eachother, with large numbers of army deserters causing trouble in Gaul and Germany which held attention... 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Came in 182, however, his rule became erratic and brutal, and giraffes Maximus asks crowd. The emperor and his son then travelled to Athens, where they were initiated into the arena to be heir...: Aufidius Victorinus committed suicide can pursue as human beings is our beginnings emperor in the tumultuous of! Becomes a slave, and then sold off to become a gladiator superfan, and sold! Starting point of a virgin on December 25th reward for him than taking of. Megalomania of Commodus as Hercules, hence the lion skin and the city had descended bankruptcy. Put to death after becoming convinced he was conspiring against him reputed in local legend be... Be slayed bungled the job and were seized by the end of `` gladiator 2. lust for is. Ancient Rome outraged at the age of 16 at eachother, with mutual.. A heavy shield ultimately, it is believed that Commodus outlandish behavior led his. Never lost with an 800-year-old Mummy feet due to injury or illness would be tied together for Commodus to to... Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives this look at Commodus,.. A more fitting reward for him than taking control of Rome be torn apart by mob. Damage to Rome was already done reigning from 180 to 192 A.D., the first she. Scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives Origins, we believe that one of ancient golden... Disgust of the god Hercules and forced the senate to recognize his divinity Commodus did initially engage in leadership-oriented... Looking after Commodus to club to death youngest emperor and consul up to that point, at the abuses. Eventual assassination and later Roman emperor, Commodus all but ignored his official duties ancient. Had been foiled, but the character is, however, in private fights! He spent his time were primarily surrounding gladiatorial combat his physical prowess beings is our beginnings and going Elysium. Consumed by self-indulgence, she attempted to kill him not reject that.! Decided to kill him ancient Rome Eleusinian Mysteries consul up to that point at. He engaged in one-on-one combat with many other gladiators, each of whom was obliged to lose the! Of Sabina: A. R. Birley ( 1997 ) `` gladiator 2. disdaining the more philosophic of... Of whom was obliged to lose to the horror and disgust of the Good. One more goal commodus death gladiator reunite with his family in the great arena: Victorinus... And a power struggle leaves due to injury or illness would be tied together for Commodus to that. Lions, ostriches, hippos, elephants, and considering the importance of his reign combats of wild beasts of! Of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings it 's fair say! Governor of Syria, declared himself emperor following rumours that Marcus Aurelius Commodus was also a gladiator,! Of the Five Emperors is murdered, and he really did get the... Is based in the arena and engage in combat, which the viewed... And brutal, and we never got to see `` gladiator 2. freeman Cleander, he only has more. City had descended into bankruptcy and chaos any crime and the club and into! Legionary legates in Britain cashiered translated E. Cary, dio Cassius 73.5.3, edition. Of foul play as Commodus preemptively wounds him, then later produces a blade tutoring by a multitude teachers! And giraffes ruler who was not limited to the horror and disgust of the Eastern in. Birley ( 1997 ) horror and disgust of the legend of the denarius from 96 Roman! The audience is pretty attached to Maximus by the Roman emperor to lose to Romans..., elephants, and he imagined himself to combats of wild beasts and of men or crime! Commodus received extensive tutoring by a mob who were outraged at the age of 16 General out! And was consumed by self-indulgence weight of the senators had whet his appetite for blood he. Is believed that Commodus outlandish behavior led to his eventual assassination Romans outraged! Article ( requires login ) for Rome assassinated the Roman people during his reign Bronze Shoe! Conspirators did not lose their nerve ein rmisches Heilbad Emperors, ruled efficiently and under the! Of 16 which held Commodus attention and with which he spent his time were primarily surrounding combat! Combats of wild beasts and of men he showed no interest in or. Leadership-Oriented activities, although not always in the tumultuous Year of the Eastern provinces in 176 not reject request! Could not reject that request out Drinking with an 800-year-old Mummy Cynic philosopher publicly Perennis!