Commodus and the Fall of Rome
The son of the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome, Commodus became known for his reign that led Roman Empire to its decline. He was co-emperor of his father Marcus Aurelius and became the only ruler in the days of calmness; Commodus had no competitors and enemies he needed to punish. His character traits and policies resulted in dissipation of resources, the rise of corruption, and the lack of success in state affairs. The goal of this paper is to discuss how Commodus contributed to the end of the Roman prosperity and the following period of disruption. ...