Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome’s most renowned emperors and a Stoic philosopher, left a legacy not only through his writings but also through his family, especially his son, Commodus. As the biological son and successor of Marcus Aurelius, Commodus’s life and reign significantly impacted the trajectory of the Roman Empire. His contrasting rule to that of his father’s philosophical and disciplined leadership marked a pivotal shift in Roman history. Exploring the life and influence of the son of Marcus Aurelius provides insight into the challenges of imperial succession and the complexities of Roman leadership during the 2nd century AD.
Early Life of the Son of Marcus Aurelius
Born Lucius Aurelius Commodus in 161 AD, Commodus was the only surviving son of Marcus Aurelius and his wife Faustina the Younger. Growing up in the imperial family, Commodus was groomed for leadership from an early age, though his upbringing was markedly different from his father’s austere and philosophical approach.
Unlike his father, who valued Stoicism and intellectual pursuits, Commodus was known for his love of physical strength, gladiatorial games, and extravagance. His childhood was shaped by the expectations of being an heir to the Roman Empire, but also by the indulgent lifestyle encouraged by his mother and advisors.
Commodus as Heir and Co-Emperor
Sharing Power with Marcus Aurelius
In 177 AD, Commodus was made co-emperor alongside his father, a rare but strategic decision intended to ensure a smooth succession. This joint rule lasted until Marcus Aurelius’s death in 180 AD, during which Commodus had increasing responsibility over the empire’s administration.
However, even during this period, Commodus’s leadership style diverged significantly from his father’s. While Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher-king who focused on governance and military campaigns, Commodus displayed a penchant for self-indulgence and spectacle.
Challenges as Successor
Commodus’s early years as co-emperor raised concerns among Roman senators and military leaders who questioned his competence and temperament. His interests in gladiatorial combat and his erratic behavior contrasted sharply with the disciplined, stoic rule of Marcus Aurelius.
The Reign of Commodus: Contrasting the Father
Shift in Leadership Style
Upon Marcus Aurelius’s death in 180 AD, Commodus became the sole emperor. His reign marked a departure from his father’s ideals. Instead of the intellectual and philosophical guidance that defined Marcus’s time, Commodus focused on entertainment, personal glorification, and authoritarian control.
He styled himself as a living god, often appearing in public dressed as Hercules, emphasizing his physical strength and supposed divine favor. This cult of personality alienated many in the Roman elite.
Political and Social Impact
Commodus’s reign is often viewed as the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire’s golden age. His erratic policies, purges of political opponents, and neglect of military campaigns undermined Rome’s stability.
His obsession with gladiatorial games extended to participating personally in the arena, a scandalous act for a Roman emperor, which damaged his reputation among the ruling class and populace alike.
Legacy of the Son of Marcus Aurelius
Death and Aftermath
Commodus was assassinated in 192 AD, a plot orchestrated by his inner circle fearing his increasingly tyrannical behavior. His death ended the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, which had ruled Rome during its height of power and prosperity.
The power vacuum following Commodus’s assassination led to a period of civil wars known as the Year of the Five Emperors, highlighting the instability caused by his leadership and the lack of a clear, competent successor.
Historical Assessment
- Contrasting Characters: While Marcus Aurelius is remembered as a wise and philosophical ruler, Commodus is often characterized as reckless and self-serving.
- Symbol of Decline: Commodus’s reign is frequently cited by historians as a turning point marking the beginning of Rome’s gradual decline.
- Cultural Depictions: His life has inspired numerous works of art, literature, and film, often highlighting his excesses and moral failings.
Relationship with Marcus Aurelius: Father and Son
The dynamic between Marcus Aurelius and Commodus was complex. Marcus is believed to have recognized his son’s flaws but hoped that imperial responsibility would temper his excesses. Despite this, the two represented very different philosophies Marcus the stoic philosopher, Commodus the flamboyant autocrat.
Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, his philosophical work, is silent on Commodus’s behavior, but some scholars interpret subtle hints suggesting his disappointment. Marcus’s death left Rome under the rule of a son whose leadership style contrasted deeply with his own, creating tension between the ideals of governance and reality.
Commodus’s Role in Roman History
Commodus’s tenure as emperor is a critical chapter in Roman history. His actions had long-lasting effects, influencing the empire’s political, military, and social landscape. The failure to maintain the principles set by his father contributed to the erosion of Roman imperial authority and set a precedent for future emperors to prioritize personal power over state welfare.
Moreover, Commodus’s reign exemplifies the challenges of hereditary succession in autocratic systems, particularly when the heir lacks the virtues and capabilities of the predecessor.
The son of Marcus Aurelius, Commodus, remains a figure of contrast and controversy. His life and reign stand as a counterpoint to the stoic ideals of his father, reflecting the difficulties faced by dynastic rule and the impact a single leader can have on the course of an empire. Understanding Commodus’s role helps illuminate the complexities of Roman imperial history and the fragile nature of power passed through family lines.