- 1. Commodus (180–192 CE) was a Roman emperor and the son of the revered emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose reign marked a significant departure from the philosophical and stoic ideals of his father. Ascending to the throne at a young age, Commodus initially ruled alongside his father but quickly became known for his erratic behavior and extravagant lifestyle. Unlike his father, who sought to embody the virtues of a philosopher-king, Commodus reveled in the allure of gladiatorial combat, famously participating in the arena himself and declaring himself a reincarnation of Hercules. His reign is often characterized by political instability, marked by the growing influence of his favorites, debauchery, and megalomania, along with a stark neglect of the responsibilities of governance. As he adopted increasingly eccentric practices, including the renaming of Rome and the months of the year after himself, he became increasingly unpopular among the Senate and the general populace. Commodus' insistence on being worshipped as a god and his detachment from the realities of imperial rule led to a significant decline in respect for the office he held. His tumultuous reign ended when he was assassinated in 192 CE, a death that heralded the end of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty and plunged the empire into a period of chaos and civil war known as the Year of the Five Emperors.
Who was Commodus' father?
A) Trajan
B) Hadrian
C) Nerva
D) Marcus Aurelius
- 2. What year did Commodus become Emperor of Rome?
A) 200 CE
B) 180 CE
C) 190 CE
D) 160 CE
- 3. What was Commodus known for in terms of personal hobby?
A) Gladiatorial combat
B) Architecture
C) Philosophy
D) Theater
- 4. In which year was Commodus assassinated?
A) 200 CE
B) 180 CE
C) 192 CE
D) 189 CE
- 5. Who orchestrated the assassination of Commodus?
A) Marcia
B) Lucilla
C) Senate
D) Pertinax
- 6. What title did Commodus adopt for himself?
A) Augustus Maximus
B) Pater Patriae
C) Imperator Caesar
D) Hercules Romanus
- 7. The reign of Commodus is often seen as marking the end of which period?
A) Roman Republic
B) The Flavian Dynasty
C) Pax Romana
D) Third Century Crisis
- 8. In which year did Commodus declare himself as a god?
A) 180 CE
B) 185 CE
C) 200 CE
D) 191 CE
- 9. How did Commodus exploit his image?
A) By building libraries
B) Through games and public spectacles
C) By holding public debates
D) Through military reform
- 10. What type of governance did Commodus represent?
A) Autocratic rule
B) Democratic governance
C) Oligarchic rule
D) Military dictatorship
- 11. With whom did Commodus have a particularly contentious relationship?
A) The army
B) The provincial governors
C) The merchant class
D) The Senate
- 12. Commodus was the first emperor to appear as which character in the arena?
A) Hercules
B) Apollo
C) Jupiter
D) Mars
- 13. Who succeeded Commodus after his death?
A) Maximinus Thrax
B) Septimius Severus
C) Pertinax
D) Didius Julianus
- 14. What happened to the administration of Rome during Commodus’ rule?
A) Corruption increased
B) Military success returned
C) Stability improved
D) Reforms were implemented
- 15. Which sibling did Commodus reportedly have conflicts with?
A) Severus
B) Lucilla
C) Octavius
D) Tiberius
- 16. What aspect of his reign did Commodus emphasize?
A) Diplomatic relations
B) Military expansion
C) Personal glory
D) Economic stability
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