---
title: Medallions showing Commodus as Hercules
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5928/medallions-showing-commodus-as-hercules/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Medallions showing Commodus as Hercules

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Medallions showing Commodus as Hercules](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5928.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5928.jpg)

## Image Caption

The Emperor [Commodus](https://www.worldhistory.org/commodus/) wished to be identified with the [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) [Hercules](https://www.worldhistory.org/hercules/). On these medallions, he is depicted as Hercules, with a lion-skin headdress (upper image). He is also shown ploughing a ritual furrow to re-found [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) in his own name (lower image). Commodus became unpopular and was assassinated in 192 CE. [Copper](https://www.worldhistory.org/copper/) alloy medallions from Rome, [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/), circa 192 CE. The upper [coin](https://www.worldhistory.org/coinage/) is from the Edward Wigan Collection while the lower one is from the Cracherode Collection. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, October 19). Medallions showing Commodus as Hercules. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5928/medallions-showing-commodus-as-hercules/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Medallions showing Commodus as Hercules." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 19, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5928/medallions-showing-commodus-as-hercules/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Medallions showing Commodus as Hercules." *World History Encyclopedia*, 19 Oct 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5928/medallions-showing-commodus-as-hercules/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 19 October 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.