Commodus

Emperor Commodus Born on the 31st of August, 161 AD, Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, later known as Commodus, was the Roman Emperor from 180 AD to 192 AD. He was the first Emperor to succeed his blood father since since Titus succeeded Vespasian in 79, and was also the first Emperor to be born “in the purple”, which means he was born during his father’s reign. Commodus is largely considered one of the worser Emperors to have ruled the Roman Empire. Though he ruled for quite a long period of time, by the end of his rule, his own ego had back quite prevalent throughout the empire. Commodus had always placed emphasis on his own divine right. Numerous statues portraying him as Hercules were placed all over the empire, against the senate's wishes. Commodus also later claimed to be the son of jupiter, the representative of the supreme god of the Roman pantheon. His ego grew to megalomaniacal proportions, as evident in the way he celebrated his power. Rather than honour his descent from Marcus Aurelius, the actual source of his power, Commodus…

Character-wise, Gladiator is historically unsound. There is little historicity in the film’s antagonist, Commodus. Scott clearly misread descriptions of Commodus’s physique and appearance. According to a Roman civil servant, Commodus was, at the time of his father, Marcus Aurelius’s, death, in the prime of youth… his hair, naturally blond and curly gleamed in the sunlight as if it were on fire (History of the Roman Empire, 2007, chapter 7). Gladiator’s Commodus, however, has short, straight hair…

Maximus Decimus Meridius take his place as emperor. However, Marcus Aurelius’ son, Commodus, takes matters into his own hands to guarantee that he will be the one to be proclaimed heir and ultimately, Caesar. Although, the film explores the history of Rome by including several historical figures, it is mainly based on a fictional plot. “Gladiator” includes significant figures, however modifying them and their backstories immensely, and presenting the famous gladiator fights of Rome in a way that…

A man is robbed of his name tries to gain freedom of his people, in this historical drama directed by Ridley Scott, released in 2003. The death of Marcus Aurelius in the year 180 A.D threw the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus, one of the Roman army`s trusted generals and advisor to the emperor was sent to be executed when Marcus`s son Commodus rises to throne. Maximus manages to escape but is captured by slave traders, renamed Spaniard and became a gladiator by force. His battle experience…

as a dark tale of revenge” (Britannica Online, “Gladiator,” information retrieved November 10, 2015). According to Britannica Online, “the film traces the fall and rise of Maximus, a general who seeks vengeance as a gladiator after being discarded by the emperor Commodus.” Although most of the scenes and events are mostly fiction, some events that occurred in the movie along with several characters are historically accurate. After watching the movie Gladiator and researching information in “A…

figure, the Roman emperor Commodus is a fascinating character. Even more interesting are the varying portrayals of him. Director Ridley Scott saw an opportunity for this character when he directed his 2000 epic, Gladiator. Gladiator has been deemed a visual masterpiece that brings Ancient Rome to modern audiences. There is no doubt that the movie is visually stunning with its sweeping views that show the grandeur of the Coliseum, large gladiator battles, beautiful landscapes, and beautiful…

passes on. . The Emperor then enlightens his real child Commodus…

Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), reveals to his son, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), that he wishes for Maximus to become his successor. In a fit of rage, Commodus murders his father and declares himself as Marcus Aurelius’ successor. Soon after, Commodus calls for Maximus and orders him to swear fealty. Refusing to pledge his allegiance to the new emperor of Rome, Maximus walks out and Commodus orders for his execution at the break of dawn. Fortunately,…

Gladiator- First Quarter Extra Credit The Ridley Scott movie, “Gladiator”, starring Russell Crowe as Maximus, is the story of a Roman general who was asked to become the new emperor of Rome by the dying Marcus Aurelius. This angered and power-hungry the son of Marcus, Commodus, then killed his father before Maximus could make his decision. Commodus became the new emperor of Rome and ordered for Maximus to be killed. Maximus escaped from the officers who were going to execute him, and stole their…

Ridley Scott's Gladiator is a 2000 film industry achievement which stars the hero, Russel Crowe, as the unwavering Hispano-Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius. Joaquin Phoenix is the foe and stars as Commodus, the degenerate and goal-oriented child of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The maturing Emperor is featured by veteran performing artist Richard Harris. Lucilla, little girl of the Emperor, is featured by Connie Nielsen who needs to oppose the perverted advances of Commodus and ensure her…