Following the an epidemic and engineered riot in the capital in A.D. 190, Commodus emerged as a self-proclaimed god and gladiator, reshaping Rome in his image. He renamed cities, months, and even the Senate after himself, declaring his invincibility and divine status. His rule became a spectacle...

Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius, faced serious plots against his life. So he isolated himself from senators and other advisors, frittered away his time getting drunk and racing horses and left Rome under the care of ambitious, ruthless and corrupt men. Eventually, an apparent conspiracy of...

Commodus was "born to the purple," inheriting the throne from his father, Marcus Aurelius. The young emperor had much that suggested his reign would be successful: excellent advisors and tutors, charming looks and an inscrutable pedigree in the line of Rome's greatest emperors. As this episode...