Emperor Commodus The Decline Of Rome Under A SelfIndulgent Ruler
Emperor Commodus, infamously etched into the public’s imagination through the cinematic lens of “Gladiator,” was depicted as a villain of epic proportions. Yet, historical accounts suggest his thirst for brutality may have surpassed even Hollywood’s dramatized portrayal. Commodus, whose excesses echoed those of the decadent Emperor Elagabalus, reveled in his own violent appetites. Believing himself to be the earthly embodiment of Hercules, he showcased his combative prowess in the arena with a flair for the dramatic.
Unlike the typical gladiator, Commodus would engage in combat from the security of a raised platform, pitting himself against a menagerie of exotic beasts. His opponents, however, were far from the skilled gladiators of legend; they were often wounded soldiers or individuals with physical disabilities, easy prey for the self-proclaimed demigod. Victory was a foregone conclusion in these grotesque displays, and Commodus, basking in his perceived invincibility, exacted exorbitant fees for the spectacle of his ‘victories.’ In his eyes, the hefty price tag was justified by the ‘pleasure’ he claimed his performances provided to the masses..