cover of episode Commodus: The Gladiator Emperor

Commodus: The Gladiator Emperor

2024/8/8
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The Ancients

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Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius, is known as one of Rome's worst emperors. His reign was filled with conspiracies, assassinations, and megalomania. But who was he really, and what were the key events of his early life?
  • Commodus's reign was marked by conspiracies, assassinations, and megalomania.
  • He is often portrayed as one of Rome's worst emperors.
  • Commodus was the son of the philosopher emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Shownotes Transcript

Known as one of Rome's worst emperors, Commodus is famed for both his infamy and bravado. Ascending the throne as a teenager, he dressed up as Hercules, fought as a gladiator in the Colosseum, and renamed Rome after himself. But who was the real Commodus? And was he really as bad and megalomaniacal as some have claimed?

In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Alex Imrie to dive into the conspiracies, controversy and assassinations that made the reign of Commodus so chillingly captivating and inspired the performance of Joaquin Phoenix in the 2000 sword and sandal epic ‘Gladiator’.

Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

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