Commodus : The Emperor Of Rome

When Aurelius reveals his announcement to the anxious Commodus, he suffocates his father to gain what he thinks is rightfully his, the power of emperor.

Commodus' ambition begins after he kills his father Emperor Marcus Aurelius because he feels that his father did not love him enough and becomes the Emperor of Rome. Marcus says that Commodus "is not a moral man" and that "he cannot rule". Commodus is the Macbeth character in 'Gladiator' but is still not the main character. The main character in the film is Maximus who resembles Macduff in the film. While still being shown as a great fighter, Commodus is also shown in the film as a bit of a coward, after Maximus wins the war for Rome, Commodus shows up late to the victory celebrations acting as if he wasn’t even aware of a war even existing. Quickly after being crowned as Emperor of Rome, Commodus becomes disliked by the Senate and the people of Rome and seen as a pathetic leader. Commodus uses the ambition to be like his father to create barbaric fights in the Coliseum. "He'll bring them death and they will love him

Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, notoriously known as the Roman Emperor Trajan was born September 18, most likely in the year 52 AD of Spanish origin. He was an educated man with a powerful, masculine figure. A bronze sculpture at Harvard University showcases his physique in ceremonial armor standing as if addressing his troops. He possessed a true sense of dignity and humbleness which to the Romans made him an emperor of true virtue. He was an emperor who truly enjoyed war; his passion for war came from the fact that he was very good at it. He was a brilliant general, as shown by his military achievements. He was naturally very popular with the troops, especially due to his willingness to share in the hardships alongside his soldiers.

Rome could have likely grew and lasted for a lot longer than it did. It faced many problems and challenges that they overcame. It had one of the most powerful armies in the world of that time. Rome started to decline due mainly to inner weaknesses and problems.    

Marcus Aurelius was born on April 26th, 121 AD. He was born as Marcus Annius Verus. His family was a very wealthy family who claimed that they were descendants of Numa, The Second King of Rome. His father was Annius Verus and his mother was Domitia Lucilla.

Have you ever waged war against your wife? Caesar Octavian Augustus did. Augustus was a great leader. Leaders are necessary because they need to show leadership amongst the people and unite the people as one doing anything to keep them safe. Caesar Octavian Augustus was one of Rome’s greatest leaders by showing that at the age of 19, he can rule one of the most powerful nations by any means including war (http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/augustus.html)

Most things said about Commodus are negative, however, Cassius Dio seems to backup Commodus saying that most of his negative qualities are due to the influence of bad company, as mentioned earlier on due to his weak character (Cavallini; ?). It is difficult to find ancient sources that are often in favor of Commodus, the corrupt ruler that was not well received by

Nero was born in 37 A.D. as Lucius Domitus Ahenobarbus. His parents were Gnaeus Domitus Ahenobarbus and and Agrippina, who was the great-granddaughter of the emperor Augustus. The philosopher Seneca educated Nero in the classical tradition and studied Greek, philosophy and rhetoric. In 48 A.D. Ahenobarbus died and Agrippina married her uncle, the emperor Claudius. Agrippina persuaded him to name Nero as his successor rather than his own son, Britannicus, and to offer his daughter, Octavia, as Nero’s wife, which Claudius did in 50 A.D.

Tiberius, who served as emperor from 14 to 37 AD, began his rule after the death of his father-in-law, Augustus. Tiberius was a weak ruler, and he understood that ruling Rome was like “holding a wolf by the ears.” When conflict arose in Europe, Tiberius sent his nephew, Germanicus, to deal with it. Germanicus did his job, and this resulted in Tiberius fearing the newest war-hero. To avoid the issue, Germanicus was appointed governor of the remote eastern provinces by his uncle. After the sudden death of Germanicus, people believed that Tiberius had poisoned him. He denied this, but the accusations never died. When he was in need of advice, Tiberius sought the assistance of Sejanus, a cavalry officer and town cheat. Tiberius sought the

When Nero was born he didn’t have a very good childhood because his dad died and he was raised by his mom. After Nero was older Agrippina married her uncle Claudius. After they married Claudius and Agrippina decided to adopt Nero. When Nero was 17 Agrippina killed Claudius so Nero would become emperor. People say that the first five years of his rule he was actually a successful ruler.

In ancient history there have been many great leaders who had saved the Roman Empire from destruction and demise. The leaders and heroes of the Roman Empire are countless, but one leader stands out from all the rest. Augustus Caesar’s contributions to Roman history helped make Rome the dominant empire we know of today. Augustus Caesar was without a question the greatest political leader in the history of the Roman Empire.

	After nineteen years of ruling Rome, Marcus Aurelius died on March 17, 180 in Vindobona, which is currently Vienna. He died of a plague while in the middle of yet another war to defend the territory of Rome. Aurelius was succeeded by his son, Commodus, who was the polar opposite of his father. Commodus was a corrupt and evil ruler. Apparently, his father was never aware of this fact, for Commodus fooled him into believing they were of the same mind when it came to ruling. Commodus was the first of the bad emperors to Aurelius’ last of the good emperors. This lack of an able ruler cemented the descent of the Roman empire.

At the age of five Commodus was named Caesar, and at the age of seventeen he became co-Augustus with his father. He spent his childhood accompanying Marcus Aurelius on political campaigns, and learned a lot on how to run an empire. However, after the death of his father the people of Rome found that the years under Marcus Aurelius had not impacted Commodus' leadership skills. Commodus' reign was filled with bad decisions, causing the people of Rome

The biggest moment in which Commodus shows his lust for power is at the beginning of the movie. His father Marcus Aurelius, who is also the Emperor, decides that the Roman General Maximus Meridius, who is very close to Marcus, is to take over the Roman Empire as Ceasar once he dies(Movie). He does not believe Commodus is fit to rule. Marcus tells his son this news and Commodus is so heart broken by Marcus’ decision that he suffocates his own father in order to take over the empire(Movie). Commodus also shows pride in himself multiple times throughout the film. Towards the beginning of the film Commodus constantly boasts to the Senate and Maximus about how will take over the Empire once his father dies(Movie). Commodus also asks Maximus if he is willing to stay and continue leading the Roman Army when he becomes Ceasar. Later on in the movie after Commodus has become Ceasar, he is always showing how he is royalty(Movie). He takes pride in the way he dresses with fine white royal robes, the crown, fancy armor, and capes. He loves that he lives in a marble palace with servants and guards to fetch his every need, and has the finest decorations and tableware(Movie).

- The antagonist in the story, he is the son of Marcus Aurelius. Commodus is an arrogant man who lusts for power which led him into killing his own father and would do anything to get rid of anyone that may threaten his claim to the throne.