In 180 AD Emperor Marcus Aurelius died in Vindobona and was succeded by his son Commodus (who was kinda lunatic...)
This decision to designate his son Commodus as Emperor, put an end to the fortunate series of "adoptive emperors", was highly criticized by later historians since Commodus was a political and military outsider, as well as an extreme egotist with neurotic problems. For this reason, Marcus Aurelius' death is often held to have been the end of the Pax Romana. It is possible that he chose Commodus simply in the absence of other candidates, or as a result of the fear of succession issues and the possibility of civil war.
WI Marcus Aurelius (who was aware of his son's mental instability) disinherited Commodus and adopted someone better to succeed him continuing the line of the "Good Emperors"?
Any thoughts?
P.S. I was watching "Gladiator" last night and thats how i got this idea...
This decision to designate his son Commodus as Emperor, put an end to the fortunate series of "adoptive emperors", was highly criticized by later historians since Commodus was a political and military outsider, as well as an extreme egotist with neurotic problems. For this reason, Marcus Aurelius' death is often held to have been the end of the Pax Romana. It is possible that he chose Commodus simply in the absence of other candidates, or as a result of the fear of succession issues and the possibility of civil war.
WI Marcus Aurelius (who was aware of his son's mental instability) disinherited Commodus and adopted someone better to succeed him continuing the line of the "Good Emperors"?
Any thoughts?
P.S. I was watching "Gladiator" last night and thats how i got this idea...