Emperor Commodus’ erratic behavior and disregard for the Senate led to widespread political unrest. He frequently acted impulsively, disregarding the advice of his advisors and acting solely on his whims. Commodus’s relationship with the Senate was fraught with tension and animosity. He viewed the Senate with contempt, seeing its members as impediments to his absolute power rather than collaborators in governance.
Undermining Institutions
Commodus systematically undermined the authority of the Senate, diminishing its role in decision-making and reducing it to a ceremonial body devoid of real power. His autocratic tendencies eroded the foundations of Roman political life.
Emperor Commodus’ erratic behavior and disregard for the Senate
Political Unrest
Commodus’s disregard for the Senate and his arbitrary rule sowed seeds of discontent among the Roman elite and populace alike. Political unrest simmered beneath the surface as dissatisfaction with his leadership grew.
Growing Opposition
Opposition to Commodus’s rule coalesced around figures within the Senate and military who saw him as a threat to the stability of the empire. Conspiracy and intrigue became prevalent as factions sought to challenge his authority.
Failed Attempts at Stability
Efforts to quell political unrest through repression and coercion only exacerbated the situation. Commodus’s heavy-handed tactics fueled resentment and resistance, pushing the empire closer to the brink of chaos.
The Breaking Point
Commodus’s erratic behavior eventually reached a tipping point, triggering a series of conspiracies and assassination plots. The pervasive atmosphere of distrust and instability created fertile ground for dissent to flourish.
Legacy of Discord
Commodus’s legacy is one of discord and division, his reign remembered as a period of political turbulence and upheaval. His disregard for the Senate and autocratic rule left a lasting impact on the Roman political landscape.
Commodus fervently believed he was the reincarnation of Hercules
Commodus ardently embraced the belief that he embodied Hercules reborn. He viewed himself as predestined for extraordinary feats, convinced of his divine lineage. This conviction fueled his grandiose ambitions, leading him to identify closely with the mythical hero. Commodus adorned himself with Hercules’ attributes, donning lion skins and wielding a club in public appearances. He sought to emulate Hercules’ legendary strength and courage, crafting an image of himself as Rome’s savior. However, this delusion of grandeur only served to further disconnect him from reality, hastening the Empire’s descent into chaos and decline.