Commodus

in full Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus

(born Aug. 31, 161, Lanuvium, Latium—died Dec. 31, 192) Roman emperor (AD 177–92). He ruled with his father, Marcus Aurelius, until the latter's death in 180; recalled from the frontier, Commodus plunged into a life of dissipation in Rome. After his sister tried to have him killed (182), he executed the senators involved and began ruling capriciously. His brutality stirred unrest that ended years of Roman stability and prosperity. He renamed Rome Colonia Commodiana (“Colony of Commodus”). Physically impressive, he claimed he was Hercules and performed as a gladiator. His mistress and advisers had him strangled, ending the Antonine dynasty.

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