What did emperor Commodus do to weaken the position and honor of the position of emperor and weaken the prestige of Rome?

Answer 1

The ancient Roman emperor Commodus took steps he believed would safeguard the empire. Five months into his reign, he concluded the Marcomannic wars and ceased plans for the prospective new provinces of Marcomania & Sarmatia.

The idea behind this question that Commodus was a symbol of a weakening empire is open to discussion. What Commodus did come to symbolize more so than weakening the empire was the disgrace he brought upon himself and the position of emperor.

Here are some important facts about Commodus:

A. He was the son of emperor Marcus Aurelius;

B. Based on perceived limits of Roman legion power at this time, Commodus concluded peace treaties with the Marcomanni & Quadi;

C. Commodus received criticism for his preference for peace in certain situations;

D. Commodus had showed some erratic behavior, never a good thing. He alienated members of the Senate;

E. Conspiracies against Commodus began to be formulated;

F. There was disorder in Rome due to failed assassination attempts against various politicians, and highly regarded men were executed;

G. The Praetorian Guards executed their Prefect;

H. It appeared to many influential people that Commodus' main interests were for his own concerns of personal gratification and to please the Roman masses;

I. Like Nero, Commodus fancied himself a gladiator, performed as one many times, and personally killed many people and hundreds of wild beasts;

J. To gain support from the masses he made massive grain distributions; and

The situation in Rome under Commodus was one of chaos & lack of accountability. His dishonor to the office of Emperor was incredible.

He was assassinated in 192 AD CE.