Latest / Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King — Fexingo History
Commodus and the Fall of the Philosopher's Dynasty
Marcus Aurelius broke with the adoptive succession system that had served Rome for nearly a century, choosing his biological son Commodus as heir. This episode examines why the philosopher-emperor made that fateful decision, despite knowing Commodus' flaws. We explore Commodus' early co-rule, his disastrous solo reign, and how his assassination triggered the Year of the Five Emperors. Drawing on Cassius Dio, Herodian, and the Historia Augusta, we look at Commodus' megalomania, his renaming of Rome to Colonia Commodiana, and his bizarre self-identification as Hercules. We also…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.