by Bro. Jason Ritchie

Born Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus on 31 August 161 AD, he was the surviving son (of twins) of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius under the Nervan-Antonine Dynasty. During his lifetime, there were several changes to his name as he desired, one projecting the image of a god, and other monikers exalting himself.

As the antagonist in the motion picture “Gladiator”, Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix), is portrayed as an eccentric, immoral and arrogant prince, with his eyes set on being the successor to his father at all costs. He was depicted as lazy and cowardly though physically strong, as can also be seen from the pages of history.

Through the course of the movie storyline, there is a striking statement he uttered in a dialogue with his father, Caesar Marcus Aurelius pertaining to his inheritance of the throne. Marcus Aurelius said he wanted Rome to be a Republic again, implying that the Empire shall cease to exist and the rule of royalty will be unnecessary. Commodus admitted to being devoid of virtues fit for an emperor but retracted to having virtues of his own, one of which was — “…AMBITION. IT CAN BE A VIRTUE TOO IF IT DRIVES US TO EXCEL…” This meant that HE WANTED TO BECOME THE NEXT ROMAN EMPEROR, TO LEAD THE EMPIRE BY HIS OWN WILL, even at the expense of Caesar’s own life, or so it is shown in the film. Although the scene is a fictional interpretation, it is unclear if he indeed murdered his own father in real life.

According to Dio Cassius, a first-hand observer and historian, Commodus’ accession to the throne marked the descent “from a kingdom of gold to one of rust and iron”. This famous comment led some historians to take Commodus’ reign as the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire. Their Senators at that time came to hate and fear him, his sister Annia Lucilla even conspired a plot against him. And as ‘norm’ would have it, numerous attempts on his life were also carried out.

As emperor, Commodus was a LAME SHOW-OFF; he displayed his physical prowess in combat with gladiators and wild beasts in ampitheaters, charging the City of Rome One Million Sesterces for every appearance in the arena. This fee strained the economy, but Commodus could not care less. He was often influenced by advisers with hidden agenda, accusing some wealthy public officials of treason with no concrete evidence; only to take possession of their lavish properties after their execution. He mutilated vulnerable animals and killed helpless amputees during his ludicrous “performances”, even mocking to slaughter the senators as they watched in horror. These gruesome presentations may well have contributed to his later assassination. Being a gladiator then was considered the lowest class in society but he believed he emulated “Hercules” this way. These circumstances made the citizens of Rome ponder on the notion that their emperor was a MADMAN.

Bearing the name Caesar Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus Augustus, he ironically died by the hands of a wrestler on 31 December 192 AD at the age of 31.

GREED FOR ‘AUTHORITY’ IS ONE OF THE MOST TERRIBLE DESIRES OF MAN, LEADING TO EVEN GREATER EVILS. Elective, appointed and even co-terminus positions have been manipulated to last, but never really resulted to better governance. WHO IS ANYONE, FOR THAT MATTER, TO SELF-APPOINT TO SUCH A CRUCIAL, KEY TITLE? Let us ask ourselves if our status, in relation to others, has been force-fed or if we are even worthy enough. Respect is earned, and has always been deprived to the self-righteous. THE RIGHT TO LEAD IS GIVEN, NOT GRABBED. It takes intense guidance to “train” heirs who would eventually preside over organizations and cultures, even for noble, deserving individuals. There was a time when Commodus himself did not solely rule as Caesar, but shared power with his father, Marcus Aurelius between the years 177 and 180.

One must not put his trust in himself (I CORINTHIANS 10:12). We can be at peace with ourselves if we know that we follow True and Rightful Leaders. Keep The Faith.