The True Story of Commodus | The Insane Gladiator Emperor

Commodus, emperor of Rome from 177 to 192 AD, is often remembered as a sadistic, power-hungry ruler, a portrayal popularized by the film Gladiator. However, the true history of his reign paints a far stranger and more disturbing picture. Believing himself to be the living incarnation of the god Hercules, Commodus became obsessed with gladiatorial combat, not as a warrior but as a means to glorify his own ego. He fought in the Colosseum, facing dwarfs, wild animals, and even gladiators who were forbidden from harming him, all while wielding blunt weapons to ensure his safety. His participation in these spectacles drained Rome’s coffers, as he paid himself for each appearance.

Commodus’ rule was marked by cruelty, paranoia, and delusions of grandeur. He had his sister murdered for plotting against him, his wife executed to make room for his mistress, and purged the Senate of anyone who opposed him. His reckless decisions led to economic decline and famine. Commodus declared himself the reincarnation of Hercules and surrounded himself with sycophants, while eradicating the empire’s talented generals and politicians. His erratic behavior and obsession with power have cemented his legacy as one of Rome’s most infamous and self-destructive emperors.

00:00 Introduction
01:31 Early Life
05:01 Commodus as Emperor
09:53 The Gladiator Emperor & Descent to Madness
15:30 Character & Terrible Decisions
20:42 Death & Disgrace

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