Nerva-Antonine · 180 AD — 192 AD

Commodus

Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus

Erratic emperor who believed himself to be Hercules reborn. His assassination ended the Nerva-Antonine dynasty.

What shaped his reign

  • Initially continued his father's policies
  • Made peace with Germanic tribes
  • Participated in gladiatorial games
  • Renamed Rome to Colonia Commodiana

A few things to remember

  • Fought as a gladiator in the Colosseum
  • Believed himself to be the reincarnation of Hercules
  • Assassination plot involved strangulation
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