# Commodus

> 17th Roman Emperor (180–192)

**Wikidata**: [Q1434](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1434)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/commodus

## Summary
Commodus was the 17th Roman Emperor, ruling from 180 to 192 AD. He was a member of the Antonine dynasty and is known for his controversial reign marked by political intrigue, military campaigns, and personal extravagance. His rule was characterized by both military successes and internal instability, shaping the late Roman Empire's trajectory.

## Biography
- Born: 161 AD (exact date uncertain)
- Nationality: Roman
- Education: No formal education records available
- Known for: His tumultuous reign and controversial policies
- Employer(s): Roman Empire
- Field(s): Political leadership, military command

## Contributions
Commodus is primarily known for his rule as emperor, which included:
- Military campaigns in the East, including victories against the Parthians and the Marcomanni.
- Political purges and executions of rivals, including his father Marcus Aurelius and mother Faustina.
- Construction projects, such as the restoration of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus.
- Controversial personal decisions, including his adoption of Marcus Aurelius' son and heir, Commodus' own son, and his eventual assassination.

## FAQs
**What was Commodus' role in the Roman Empire?**
Commodus served as the 17th Roman Emperor, ruling from 180 to 192 AD. His reign was marked by both military achievements and political instability, including the assassination of his father and mother.

**Where did Commodus work?**
Commodus worked exclusively for the Roman Empire during his reign. He held the highest political and military positions, including the title of Emperor.

**What were Commodus' major achievements?**
Commodus' major achievements include military victories in the East, such as campaigns against the Parthians and the Marcomanni. He also oversaw significant construction projects and political reforms.

**Why is Commodus remembered?**
Commodus is remembered for his controversial reign, which included political purges, military successes, and his eventual assassination. His rule shaped the late Roman Empire's trajectory.

## Why They Matter
Commodus' reign had a profound impact on the Roman Empire, marking a period of both military expansion and political instability. His decisions, including the execution of his father and mother, set a precedent for the empire's future. His military campaigns extended Roman influence into the East, but his personal rule was marked by controversy, influencing the empire's later political landscape.

## Notable For
- Served as the 17th Roman Emperor from 180 to 192 AD.
- Led military campaigns in the East, including victories against the Parthians and the Marcomanni.
- Oversaw political purges and the execution of his father and mother.
- Known for his controversial reign and eventual assassination.

## Body
### Early Life
Commodus was born in 161 AD, the son of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger. Little is known about his early life, but he was educated in the traditions of the Roman elite.

### Rise to Power
Commodus became emperor in 180 AD after the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius. His reign was marked by political instability, including the execution of his mother, Faustina, and other rivals.

### Military Campaigns
Commodus led several military campaigns, including:
- **Parthian Campaigns**: He extended Roman influence into the East, securing victories against the Parthians.
- **Marcomanni Campaigns**: He defeated the Germanic tribes, securing the empire's northern borders.

### Political Reforms
Commodus oversaw significant political reforms, including:
- **Adoption of His Son**: He adopted his son, Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, as his heir.
- **Purges and Executions**: He executed numerous political rivals, including his father and mother.

### Construction Projects
Commodus initiated several construction projects, including:
- **Restoration of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus**: He restored this important religious site in Rome.

### Assassination
Commodus was assassinated in 192 AD by members of the Praetorian Guard. His death marked the end of his controversial reign and the beginning of a new era of instability in the Roman Empire.

### Legacy
Commodus' reign left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire, shaping its political and military landscape. His controversial decisions and eventual assassination influenced the empire's future, leading to further instability and decline.

## References

1. Commodus
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Source
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes
7. Royal Academy of Arts
8. Autoritats UB
9. Alvin
10. Sapere Encyclopedia
11. VcBA (identifier)
12. Catalogue of the Unione Romana Biblioteche Scientifiche
13. Google Knowledge Graph
14. Czech National Authority Database
15. IdRef
16. CERL Thesaurus
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
18. Quora
19. Enciclopedia Treccani
20. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
21. Dizionario di Storia
22. HMML Authority File