Commodus was Roman emperor from 180 to 192 CE. With the death of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in March of 180 CE, the long reign of the five good emperors came to an end and with it so did the Pax Romana (the Roman Peace). Those emperors who followed for the next century would witness a time of both chaos and decline. The first of these inept emperors was Commodus, the son of Marcus Aurelius, who, according to most historians, was not only debauched and corrupt but also a megalomaniac, seeing himself as the reincarnation of the Greek god Hercules.
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Definition
Timeline
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177 CE - 17 Mar 180 CEMarcus Aurelius rules with Commodus.
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17 Mar 180 CECommodus becomes Emperor of Rome following the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius. Famously depicted as a villain in the popular film Gladiator, Commodus ruled poorly and was assassinated in 192.
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17 Mar 180 CE - 31 Dec 192 CECommodus rules alone.
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182 CEFailed plot to kill Emperor Commodus.
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191 CEFire in Rome - Emperor Commodus renames the city.
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192 CEEmperor Commodus is murdered, civil war ensues (until 197 CE).
