- 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) Hadrian
B) Nerva
C) Trajan
D) Marcus Aurelius
- 2. What year did Commodus become Emperor of Rome?
A) 190 CE
B) 200 CE
C) 180 CE
D) 160 CE
- 3. What was Commodus known for in terms of personal hobby?
A) Architecture
B) Theater
C) Philosophy
D) Gladiatorial combat
- 4. In which year was Commodus assassinated?
A) 189 CE
B) 200 CE
C) 180 CE
D) 192 CE
- 5. Who orchestrated the assassination of Commodus?
A) Pertinax
B) Lucilla
C) Senate
D) Marcia
- 6. What title did Commodus adopt for himself?
A) Hercules Romanus
B) Augustus Maximus
C) Pater Patriae
D) Imperator Caesar
- 7. The reign of Commodus is often seen as marking the end of which period?
A) Third Century Crisis
B) The Flavian Dynasty
C) Pax Romana
D) Roman Republic
- 8. In which year did Commodus declare himself as a god?
A) 191 CE
B) 200 CE
C) 180 CE
D) 185 CE
- 9. How did Commodus exploit his image?
A) Through military reform
B) By building libraries
C) Through games and public spectacles
D) By holding public debates
- 10. What type of governance did Commodus represent?
A) Oligarchic rule
B) Military dictatorship
C) Democratic governance
D) Autocratic rule
- 11. With whom did Commodus have a particularly contentious relationship?
A) The provincial governors
B) The army
C) The merchant class
D) The Senate
- 12. Commodus was the first emperor to appear as which character in the arena?
A) Apollo
B) Hercules
C) Mars
D) Jupiter
- 13. Who succeeded Commodus after his death?
A) Didius Julianus
B) Maximinus Thrax
C) Pertinax
D) Septimius Severus
- 14. What happened to the administration of Rome during Commodus’ rule?
A) Reforms were implemented
B) Corruption increased
C) Stability improved
D) Military success returned
- 15. Which sibling did Commodus reportedly have conflicts with?
A) Lucilla
B) Octavius
C) Tiberius
D) Severus
- 16. What aspect of his reign did Commodus emphasize?
A) Military expansion
B) Economic stability
C) Diplomatic relations
D) Personal glory
|