Quite a mistery. Marcus Aurelius had enough time to know about the true caracter of his son and his "virtues" as a future ruler; and yet it seems he did not change his mind about succesion.
They say that it was to avoid a civil war, it was better to chose a strong candidate in terms of lineage even if poor as a person. I don't like that hypothesis.
One remote "possibility" is that Commodus really changed *a lot* when his father passed away, sort of evil possession or an acute "sickness of power". Unlikely I guess.
I think this: After emperors like Hadrian, Trajan, Antoninus and Mark.. could it be improved? Can the good times always get better or even last? What else could come after a row of 5 virtuous emperors? Only the way down I guess. Time is cyclic, at least the greeks and romans believed that, what goes up must come down. Maybe Markus was aware of that and only accelerated the process, in a reasonement like this: "instead of a smooth descent from virtuous to less and less virtuous until the vicious level is reached, lets propel the cycle directly from virtuous to utterly vicious so the way up comes sooner". Just guessing.... :-)
Marcus Aurelius was succeeded by this son Commodus.
Commodus.
Joaquin Phoenix played Aurelius' son, Commodus, in the movie Gladiator.
Marcus Aurelius's son was named Commodus. He became Roman Emperor after Marcus Aurelius and ruled from 177 to 192 AD. Commodus is often remembered for his controversial reign and for being depicted as a tyrant in historical accounts. His rule marked the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire.
Emperor of Rome; nephew and son-in-law and adoptive son of Antonius Pius; Stoic philosopher; the decline of the Roman Empire began under Marcus Aurelius (121-180) Source: Thefreedictionary.com
Marcus Aurelius was succeeded by this son Commodus.
Commodus.
Joaquin Phoenix played Aurelius' son, Commodus, in the movie Gladiator.
You could say that Rome had two emperors in the year 180. At first it was Marcus Aurelius, but he died in 180 and his son Commodus became emperor in the same year.You could say that Rome had two emperors in the year 180. At first it was Marcus Aurelius, but he died in 180 and his son Commodus became emperor in the same year.You could say that Rome had two emperors in the year 180. At first it was Marcus Aurelius, but he died in 180 and his son Commodus became emperor in the same year.You could say that Rome had two emperors in the year 180. At first it was Marcus Aurelius, but he died in 180 and his son Commodus became emperor in the same year.You could say that Rome had two emperors in the year 180. At first it was Marcus Aurelius, but he died in 180 and his son Commodus became emperor in the same year.You could say that Rome had two emperors in the year 180. At first it was Marcus Aurelius, but he died in 180 and his son Commodus became emperor in the same year.You could say that Rome had two emperors in the year 180. At first it was Marcus Aurelius, but he died in 180 and his son Commodus became emperor in the same year.You could say that Rome had two emperors in the year 180. At first it was Marcus Aurelius, but he died in 180 and his son Commodus became emperor in the same year.You could say that Rome had two emperors in the year 180. At first it was Marcus Aurelius, but he died in 180 and his son Commodus became emperor in the same year.
Marcus Aurelius's son was named Commodus. He became Roman Emperor after Marcus Aurelius and ruled from 177 to 192 AD. Commodus is often remembered for his controversial reign and for being depicted as a tyrant in historical accounts. His rule marked the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire.
Emperor of Rome; nephew and son-in-law and adoptive son of Antonius Pius; Stoic philosopher; the decline of the Roman Empire began under Marcus Aurelius (121-180) Source: Thefreedictionary.com
Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Augustus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius were known as the "Five Good Emperors". Their reigns were peaceful and prosperous. However, Marcus Aurelius' son Commodus became emperor and wrecked the peace through his cruelty.
Marcus Aurelius was succeeded by his son, Commodus, who became emperor in 180 AD. Commodus's reign marked a significant departure from his father's philosophical and stoic ideals, as he embraced a more autocratic and extravagant style of leadership. His rule is often associated with the decline of the Roman Empire, leading to increased instability and corruption.
Marcus Aurelius chose his son, Commodus, as his successor, primarily due to his belief in familial loyalty and the hope that Commodus would continue his philosophical and governing ideals. However, Commodus's reign turned out to be quite different from his father's expectations, marked by erratic behavior and a lack of administrative skill. While Marcus aimed to ensure stability through his choice, the outcome demonstrated the complexities of hereditary succession. Ultimately, Commodus's leadership was seen as a departure from the virtues that Marcus Aurelius embodied.
The idea that he did not want his son to succeed him is not based on historical fact, but on two Hollywood movies (´The fall of the Roman Empire´ and ´Gladiator´). In those movies it was said that he wanted to give the succession to a stepson because his natural son was feeble-minded. In actual fact however he had already appointed his son Commodus as co-Emperor during his lifetime and he appointed Commodus as his successor. After Marcus Aurelius´ death Commodus ruled for 12 years before being assassinated.
His son, Commodus. While the Roman people generally loved and respected his father, Commodus was not as well accepted. He was arrogant, selfish, and spoiled.Answer:When one of Rome's greatest emperor, Marcus Aurelius died, the Roman Empire went downhill. After Marcus Aurelius died, Commodus took over.
commodus There were two. Richard Harris played the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The next emperor, his son Commodus, was played by Joaquin Phoenix.