Commodus (161–192 CE)

Question 1

When was Commodus born?

Answer 1

August 31, 161 CE

Question 2

Who were Commodus’ parents?

Answer 2

Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger

Question 3

At what age did Commodus become co-emperor?

Answer 3

At age 16 in 177 CE

Question 4

When did Commodus become the sole emperor of Rome?

Answer 4

In 180 CE, after the death of Marcus Aurelius

Question 5

How long did Commodus rule as emperor?

Answer 5

Commodus ruled for 12 years, from 180 CE to 192 CE

Question 6

What title did Commodus give himself in his later years?

Answer 6

Dominus et Deus (Lord and God)

Question 7

Which famous Roman dynasty ended with Commodus’ death?

Answer 7

The Nerva-Antonine dynasty

Question 8

How did Commodus die?

Answer 8

He was assassinated by his wrestling partner Narcissus in 192 CE

Question 9

What was Commodus’ unusual hobby?

Answer 9

Participating in gladiatorial games

Question 10

Which famous historical figure did Commodus claim to be a reincarnation of?

Answer 10

Hercules

Question 11

What is Commodus’ reign often considered the beginning of?

Answer 11

The decline of the Roman Empire

Question 12

What period of peace ended with the reign of Commodus?

Answer 12

The Pax Romana

Question 13

What building projects did Commodus contribute to?

Answer 13

The completion of the Temple of Castor and Pollux and other infrastructure improvements

Question 14

How did Commodus’ behavior towards the Roman Senate affect his reign?

Answer 14

He alienated the Senate and became increasingly autocratic

Question 15

Who led an assassination attempt against Commodus in 182 CE?

Answer 15

His sister Lucilla

Question 16

Which year marked the ‘Year of the Five Emperors’ after Commodus’ assassination?

Answer 16

193 CE

Question 17

Commodus fought how many gladiatorial fights?

Answer 17

735 recorded fights, though they were rigged

Question 18

What did Commodus plan to rename Rome?

Answer 18

Colonia Commodiana

Question 19

Commodus is portrayed by which actor in the film ‘Gladiator’ (2000)?

Answer 19

Joaquin Phoenix

Question 20

Which famous historian called Commodus the ‘beginning of the decline’ of the Roman Empire?

Answer 20

Edward Gibbon

Question 21

Which historical work by Edward Gibbon describes Commodus’ rule?

Answer 21

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Question 22

What was a significant challenge Commodus faced during his reign?

Answer 22

Opposition and assassination plots from the Senate and elites

Question 23

How are Commodus’ gladiatorial ‘victories’ typically explained?

Answer 23

They were staged or rigged to ensure his success

Question 24

Commodus once claimed to kill 100 ____ in a single day.

Answer 24

Lions

Question 25

In which Roman structure did Commodus frequently perform as a gladiator?

Answer 25

The Colosseum

Question 26

What economic challenges did Rome face during Commodus’ reign?

Answer 26

Inflation and corruption

Question 27

Which historical period began its decline under Commodus’ rule?

Answer 27

The Roman Empire

Question 28

What was a significant negative impact of Commodus’ rule?

Answer 28

He weakened the stability of the Roman imperial system

Question 29

Who assassinated Commodus?

Answer 29

His wrestling partner Narcissus

Question 30

Name one interesting fact about Commodus’ gladiatorial performances.

Answer 30

He fought dressed as Hercules and claimed to be the hero reborn.