When Commodus ordered for the death of Maximus and his family, the Romans could not reject that request. Striking story! His father was Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius , and his mother was Faustina the Younger. Commodus was succeeded by Pertinax, whose reign was short-lived; he would become the first claimant to be usurped during the Year of the Five Emperors. Roman Artwork. The character is, however, portrayed fictionally in Gladiator, and his death during Maximus' final fight in the Colosseum is an example of the film's historical inaccuracy. The film stars Russell Crowe as General Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is forced into the life of a gladiator after his family is murdered by the Emperor's son, Commodus. They then sent in an athlete to strangle the 31-year old emperor in his bath. Cornelius Scipio Salvidienus Orfitus. Contemporary Roman writer Cassius Dio describes the young heir as rather simple-minded, but he ruled agreeably with his father and joined Marcus Aurelius in the Marcomannic Wars against the Germanic tribes along the Danube, which the emperor had been waging for several years. Cassius Dio declared that Commodus was not naturally wicked but that his cowardice, made him the slave of his companions.. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there existcountless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts thathave yet to be discovered and explained. Commodus was a secutor, a type of gladiator who carried a gladius and a heavy shield. Her husband, Pompeianus, was not involved, but two men alleged to have been her lovers, Marcus Ummidius Quadratus Annianus (the consul of 167, who was also her first cousin) and Appius Claudius Quintianus, attempted to murder Commodus as he entered a theater. Dio Cassius 73.10.2, Loeb edition translated E. Cary. Commodus had an elder twin brother, Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus, who died in 165. Commodus, in full Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, original name (until 180 ce) Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus, (born August 31, 161 ce, Lanuvium, Latium [now Lanuvio, Italy]died December 31, 192), Roman emperor from 177 to 192 (sole emperor after 180). Roman artwork, 191 - 192 AD. Ancient Origins 2013 - 2023Disclaimer- Terms of Publication - Privacy Policy & Cookies - Advertising Policy -Submissions - We Give Back - Contact us. During 191, the city of Rome was extensively damaged by a fire that raged for several days, during which many public buildings including the Temple of Pax, the Temple of Vesta, and parts of the imperial palace were destroyed. The executions of the senators had whet his appetite for blood and he devoted himself to combats of wild beasts and of men. Not merely content to hunt in private, the emperor began to perform in the Colosseum itself, competing as a gladiator to the delight of the crowds and horror of the senate, as depicted in Gladiator. Gladiator is a film invested in the concept of retribution. Husband of Ceionia Fabia: Levick (2014), p. 164. He served jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177 until the latter's death in 180, and thereafter he reigned alone until his assassination. The Syrian-born gladiator, who rose to fame under the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117 to 138 A.D.), is best known for the length of his career, and for being awarded his freedom four times . Interestingly, it took Scott a while to realize that, like a sadistic emperor at a gladiatorial display, the ending demanded Maximus's death. The ending of "Gladiator" makes it seem like. In November 192 he held the Plebian Games, in which he would use arrows and javelins to shoot hundreds of animals every morning, and then engaged in gladiator battles each afternoon. The assassination attempt marked a turning point in Commodus reign, for once [he had] tasted human blood, he became incapable of pity or remorse. He began executing people without regard for rank, wealth, or sex. He also declared himself to be an incarnation of the god Hercules and forced the senate to recognize his divinity. And what could be more glorious than to challenge the Emperor himself in the great arena? ( Public Domain ). [19] His reduction of the denarius during his rule was the largest since the empire's first devaluation during Nero's reign. He wanted to avenge the deaths of his wife and son, as well as clear the way for the Senate to restore order in Rome. Except where otherwise noted, the notes below indicate that an individual's parentage is as shown in the above family tree. The three of them plotted to assassinate the emperor. He is based in the UK and studied English at Kings College London. Now, researchers have proposed a hypothesis that seems to support the idea that the Ivar the Boneless was likely the son of legendary Viking king Ragnar Lothbrok, and raided alongside his father and brothers, eventually becoming ruler of York in England in the 9th century AD. His great simplicity, however, together with his cowardice, made him the slave of his companions, and it was through them that he at first, out of ignorance, missed the better life and then was led on into lustful and cruel habits, which soon became second nature."[26]. ( Louisonze/CC BY-SA 3.0 ). Pompeianus retired from public life. His victories were often welcomed by his bested opponents, as bearing scars dealt by the hand of an emperor was considered a mark of fortitude. Sporting critical wounds after enacting his vengeance at the end of Gladiator, Maximus dies moments after Commodus. Commodus was also known for fighting exotic animals in the arena, often to the horror and disgust of the Roman populace. In hindsight, he should have kept the tradition of adopting his successor, which would have resulted in an appointment based on merit. It's fair to say the audience is pretty attached to Maximus by the end of "Gladiator." Sister of Trajan's father: Giacosa (1977), p.7. His family is murdered, and he becomes a slave, and then sold off to become a gladiator. Reigning from 180 to 192 A.D., Commodus all but ignored his official duties. During his solo reign, the Roman Empire enjoyed reduced military conflict compared with the reign of Marcus Aurelius. In the spring of 190, Rome was afflicted by a food shortage, for which the praefectus annonae Papirius Dionysius, the official actually in charge of the grain supply, contrived to lay the blame on Cleander. Commodus also had a passion for gladiatorial combat, which he took so far as to take to the arena himself, dressed as a secutor. Commodus never killed his gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders. However, just when the days of the mad emperors seemed long gone, Commodus brought the madness roaring back. @Roberto Peron, No, Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher (Stoic) the last of the 5 "Good Emperors" and maintained the "Pax Romana). Gibbon p. 107 "*1 Commodus killed a camelopardalis or giraffe the most useless of the quadrupeds". Commodus, The Unhinged Roman Emperor Who Went Mad With Power, Commodus exposes Lucillas plot in this scene from. Lucius Aurelius Commodus, born 161 A.D., was appointed co-emperor by his father Marcus Aurelius in 177 A.D. when he was just 16 years old. . Commodus was a spoiled, narcissistic young man who was something of an embarrassment to his father. After a failed assassination attempt in 182, however, his rule became erratic and brutal, and he imagined himself to be Hercules. Ser. Despite the fact that Commodus caused much anger and resentment during his reign, few written records were kept about his life. This horrified the Roman people. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Political influence then passed to the emperors mistress and two advisers. A bust of Roman Emperor Commodus, styled as if he were a reincarnation of Hercules, which is precisely what he believed himself to be. It is of particular interest that Aurelius craved succession by one of his sons so much because there hadnt been an emperor who had been succeeded by his own son since Titus succeeded Vespasian in 79. Commodus was the son of marcus Marcus Aurelius and later Roman Emperor. In 195, the emperor Septimius Severus, trying to gain favour with the family of Marcus Aurelius, rehabilitated Commodus's memory and had the Senate deify him. The gladiator who defied an emperor. In 182 Commoduss sister Lucilla conspired with a group of senators to assassinate him. Disdaining the more philosophic inclinations of his father, Commodus was extremely proud of his physical prowess. Faustina was the daughter of Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius and was Aurelius first cousin. The slave who became a gladiator. The Death of Commodus, from a history book published in 1900. He took the throne as regent, but was killed by Maximus in the Colosseum. His reign is commonly thought of as marking the end of a golden period of peace in the history of the Roman Empire, known as the Pax Romana. She believes that only by understanding where we come from, can we truly understand our life path and purpose. Cornelius Scipio Salvidienus Orfitus, Ti. Non-military citizens who had lost their feet due to injury or illness would be tied together for Commodus to club to death. Commodus' famous gesture, which he gives when deciding the fate of defeated gladiators 6.7M views 8 years ago #Gladiator #Oscars #RussellCrowe After Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) lands a lethal blow on Maximus (Russell Crowe) he is finally reunited with his wife and child as. By December of that year, he declared that he would inaugurate the New Year on January 1, 193 as a gladiator in the arena. With a thirst for power, he ruled the Roman Empire almost 2,000 years ago, declaring himself Emperor A new anthropological study provides a strong message about what happens when social contracts are broken by a previously good government the government and the society collapses hard Commodus, the son and heir of the distinguished philosopher emperor Marcus Aurelius , was a failure as a Roman emperor. He negotiated a peace settlement in Romes favor. I am sure you are familiar with his legend which states that he was born in a manger surrounded by shepherds, about 5 Celebrity Gladiators of Bloodthirsty Ancient Rome, about Romes African Emperor: Septimius Severus and the Scottish Invasion, about Catastrophic Collapse: When Historic Good Governments Turned Bad, about Mimicking Gods and Gladiators: The Assassination Of Emperor Commodus, about The Philosopher-King of Ancient Rome: Marcus Aurelius' Imperium, about Fair-Weather Friends: A Weird Explanation for 20% of Roman Emperor Assassinations, The Lemon Grove Mummies: Ancient Corpses from Mexican Cave Found in California Garage, The Curious Apparitions of Pagan Goddesses to the German Knights Templar, Caesars Savage Human Skewers Unearthed In German Fort, The Warriors Who Shaped African History: The Horsemen of Oyo. In addition to Galens medical attention and treatment, Commodus was also highly educated, with little focus on military training. The most famous scene in "Gladiator" is the one that launched a thousand memes (to use a phrase from a different Ancient European society). But once Marcus Aurelius died in 180 A.D. (of natural causes, not at his sons own hand, as depicted in Gladiator), Commodus hastily made peace with the tribes so he could return to Rome to enjoy the pleasure of the capital with the servile and profligate youths whom Marcus had banished, but who soon regained their station and influence about the emperor., Despite his unusual personal tastes, Commodus at first behaved more like a typical spoiled, rich youth than a bloody dictator. Wikimedia CommonsAn illustration of the murder of Commmodus. Commodus, in full Caesar Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus, original name (until 180 ce) Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus, (born August 31, 161 ce, Lanuvium, Latium [now Lanuvio, Italy]died December 31, 192), Roman emperor from 177 to 192 (sole emperor after 180). The Libyan-born Septimius Severus has gone down in history as the first African Emperor of Rome . Commodus as Killing Machine and Gladiator Commodus as Megalomaniac The End of Commodus Like Father, Not Like Son Commodus's father Marcus Aurelius was a morally upright and beloved emperor who ruled Rome through a devastating plague epidemic and endless frontier wars against invading Germanic tribes. wahrscheinlich aber erfand Commodus diese Geschichte selber, um seine Sonderrolle zu unterstreichen. Wikimedia CommonsA bust of Roman Emperor Commodus, styled as if he were a reincarnation of Hercules, which is precisely what he believed himself to be. Meanwhile, Commodus was lapsing into insanity. This biographical article related to crime is a stub. Upon his ascension, Commodus devalued the Roman currency. The first, Sextus Tigidius Perennis, Commodus put to death after becoming convinced he was conspiring against him. The first attempt used poisoned meat, but Commodus vomited it up. A small group of conspirators, including the emperors chamberlain and mistress, Marcia, decided to kill him. Its protagonist, Maximus, is entirely fictitious. after executing a double-sword beheading on an unfortunate opponent, delivering an iconic moment in movie and internet history. His mother was Annia Galeria Faustina, a member of the Roman nobility and the daughter of the emperor Antoninus Pius. Under Commodus, Rome had descended from a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust. Much like Nero had supposedly fiddled while Rome burned, Commodus enjoyed himself as the city decayed around him. Commodus butchered dozens of animals in single appearances at the Colosseum on other occasions. Narcissus (born 2nd century A.D.) was a Roman athlete,[1][2] likely a wrestler,[3] from the 2nd century AD. We will never see the like of the Roman Empire ever again. Upon his fathers death in 180, Commodus became the sole emperor. [25], Cassius Dio, a first-hand witness, describes him as "not naturally wicked but, on the contrary, as guileless as any man that ever lived. Flamma. Nevertheless, though the senatorial order came to hate and fear him, the evidence suggests that he remained popular with the army and the common people for much of his reign, not least because of his lavish shows of largesse (recorded on his coinage) and because he staged and took part in spectacular gladiatorial combats. Aurelius pushed for Commodus to be a leader from a very young age. He kept most of the advisers from his fathers regime in place and the first three years of his reign ran as smoothly as that of his father with the added benefit that Rome was no longer fighting any wars. According to Dio Cassius, Perennis, though ruthless and ambitious, was not personally corrupt and generally administered the state well.[21]. Commodus would enter the arena in the garb of Mercury and casting aside all his other garments, would begin his exhibition wearing only a tunic and unshod.. The gladiator who defied an emperor. Narration by: Alexander Dobby. Was this German silver mine really defended by two Roman forts and a line of "spike defenses? War broke out in Dacia: few details are available, but it appears two future contenders for the throne, Clodius Albinus and Pescennius Niger, both distinguished themselves in the campaign. Commodus ruled with chaos and left chaos in his wake. It appeared that he had no interest in being a leader, and only wanted to take advantage of his leadership powers to fulfill his own desires. [4] Commodus was supposedly in a drunken stupor after Marcia had poisoned him [1] and Narcissus proceeded to strangle his master in his bathtub [1] or, according to Herodian, in his bed. Statues were erected of the emperor depicted as the mythological hero all over the city, including one made of solid gold and weighing in at nearly 1,000 pounds. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. It was three years later that Verus died, leaving Commodus as the only surviving son. Commodus : The general who became a slave. On 31 December, Marcia poisoned Commodus's food, but he vomited up the poison, so the conspirators sent his wrestling partner Narcissus to strangle him in his bath.[24]. Whatever its roots, the conspiracy failed and the incident aroused an insane paranoia in Commodus, who began seeing plots and treachery everywhere. ( Naughtynimitz/CC BY-SA 3.0 ). Only a famous death will do. The Untersberg is a great mountain straddling the Austro-German border opposite Salzburg. Die ''Terme Taurine'' von Civitavecchia ein rmisches Heilbad. Commodus, who is portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, was indeed the son of Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) and an emperor of Rome. Commodus murders his father (Richard Harris) to gain power, orders the death of war hero Maximus (Russell Crowe) in order to circumvent any possible challenge to his rule, puts the moves on his. View GLADIATOR - CHW3M.docx from HIS CHW3M at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts. Commodus was inaugurated in 183 as consul with Aufidius Victorinus for a colleague and assumed the title Pius. 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The real Commodus was also a gladiator superfan, and he really did get in the arena and fight people. Lucius joined Marcus in his campaign against invading German tribes along the Danube, but after the death of Marcus (March 180) he quickly came to terms with the Germans. However, in private practice fights, Commodus would slay his opponents. Speidel, "Commodus the God-Emperor and the Army,", This page was last edited on 6 February 2023, at 22:16. The long line of ancient Roman emperors is marked by a strange pattern: Almost every exceptionally brilliant emperor was succeeded by an exceptionally mad one. Aurelius physician, Galen, was tasked with looking after Commodus to ensure that he stayed healthy and well. Her motive is alleged to have been the envy of the Empress Crispina. Ultimately, it is believed that Commodus outlandish behavior led to his eventual assassination. On 27 November 176, Marcus Aurelius bestowed the title of Imperator on Commodus and in summer 177 he made him a full joint emperor by giving him the title of Augustus. Innumerable statues around the empire were set up portraying him in the guise of Hercules, reinforcing the image of him as a demigod, a physical giant, a protector, and a warrior who fought against men and beasts (see "Commodus and Hercules" and "Commodus the Gladiator" below). So superlatively mad had the abandoned wretch become that he renamed Rome Colonia Commodiana (the Colony of Commodus) and changed the names of the months to each reflect one of the many epithets he had bestowed upon himself. He reduced the weight of the denarius from 96 per Roman pound to 105 per Roman pound (3.85grams to 3.35grams). Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson.The film was co-produced and released by DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures.DreamWorks Pictures distributed the film in North America while Universal Pictures released it internationally through United International Pictures. In the view of Dio Cassius, his accession marked the descent "from a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust".[20]. The emperor Titus Flavian completed the Colosseum and endeared himself to the public with his generosity only to have his good works undone by his brother Domitian, who was assassinated by his own court. But he vomited the poisoned food up, foiling that plan. It was reputed in local legend to be the seat of the god Wotan and to be haunted. Top Image: Bust of Commodus, 17th Emperor of the Roman Empire. The Eastern Tour - Chapter II: 4:01. Intro: 0:00. [28][29], His original name was Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus. The Beast with an insatiable Hunger for Human Flesh, Film Footage Provides Intimate View of HMS Gloucester Shipwreck, Top 8 Legendary Parties - Iconic Celebrations in Ancient History, The Spanish Inquisition: The Truth Behind the Black Legend (Part II), The Spanish Inquisition: The Truth behind the Dark Legend (Part I), Bloodthirsty Buddhists: The Sohei Warrior Monks of Feudal Japan, Legends Of The Oracle Of Delphi At The Centre Of The World. Marcus Aurelius. His brutal misrule precipitated civil strife that ended 84 years of stability and prosperity within the empire. Commodus's assassination in 192, by a wrestler in the bath, marked the end of the NervaAntonine dynasty. Then, discover the most fascinating facts from the entirety of ancient history. www.alexanderdoddy.com. Lucilla was exiled to Capri and later killed. In 166, at the age of five, Commodus was made Caesar, along with his younger brother Marcus Annius Verus. The emperor eventually decided to abandon the reins of the empire and chose to give himself up to chariot-racing and licentiousness and performed scarcely any of the duties pertaining to his office. He appointed a series of his favorites to manage the administration of his empire, each of whom seemed crueler and more incompetent than the last. On 12 October 166, Commodus was made Caesar together with his younger brother, Marcus Annius Verus. He later killed his father after he announced that General Maximus Meridius would be his successor. Lucius Aurelius Commodus, born 161 A.D., was appointed co-emperor by his father Marcus Aurelius in 177 A.D. when he was just 16 years old. His father was the philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius, who But wait, wasn't Commodus killed by a Gladiator? On the other hand, the real Emperor Commodus was even more outlandish than Gladiator's version in some ways, as he renamed Rome "the Colony of Commodus" at one point. Commodus brought an end to his father's campaign against the Germans. Papirius Dionysius was executed, too. Commodus (Lucius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, 31 August 161 - 31 December 192) was Roman emperor from 177 to 192. By 192 A.D., the Roman people had had enough. A more fun alternative would be having Maximus and the Senate recover control of Rome, while Maximus gets to experience a new family life with Lucilla (Connie Nielson) and her son Lucius (Spencer Treat Clark). AtAncient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. He also reduced the silver purity from 79percent to 76percent the silver weight dropping from 2.57grams to 2.34grams. Commodus did initially engage in some leadership-oriented activities, although not always in the favor of the Roman people. 180-192 AD. schizoform/ CC BY 2.0 Painting, Hercules and the Hydra, Public Domain, Commodus Encyclopaedia Britannica. He was the brother of Princess Lucilla, and uncle of Lucius. A bust of Commodus as a youth. Commodus mistress, Marcia, played an important role in his assassination. With each breathtaking scene, the complex culture of world that created and adored these bloody games between man and beast comes into clear focus. One of the two praetorian prefects, Publius Tarrutenius Paternus, had actually been involved in the conspiracy but his involvement was not discovered until later on, and in the aftermath, he and his colleague, Sextus Tigidius Perennis, were able to arrange for the murder of Saoterus, the hated chamberlain. While fighting in the arena, opponents would submit to Commodus, as emperor, and their lives were spared. The first crisis of the reign came in 182, when Lucilla engineered a conspiracy against her brother. Commodus's death marked the end of the NervaAntonine dynasty. After the murder of the powerful Saoterus, Perennis easily took over the reins of government and Commodus found a new chamberlain and favourite in Cleander, a Phrygian freedman who had married one of the emperor's mistresses, Demostratia. The movie is far from historically accurate. Are the Misty Peaks of the Azores Remnants of the Legendary Atlantis? According to Cassius Dio, Commodus once killed 100 lions in a single day. But frankly, the rest of "Gladiator" also deserves a standing ovation from an arena full of bloodthirsty Roman citizens (and modern audiences), especially the ending. Wife of M. Annius Verus: Giacosa (1977), p. 10. Fortunately for movie posterity, Scott came up with the idea for the gladiator's death scene during filming. He also believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules and enjoyed fighting in an arena as a gladiator. Dissatisfaction with this state of affairs would lead to a series of conspiracies and attempted coups, which in turn eventually provoked Commodus to take charge of affairs, which he did in an increasingly dictatorial manner. ( Lucius Aurelius Commodus non-military citizens who had lost their feet due to injury or illness would his. Against her brother 's campaign against the Germans arena as a gladiator Tigidius Perennis, Commodus devalued the Roman.. The emperors mistress and two advisers below indicate that an individual 's is. He imagined himself to be Hercules philosopher-king, Marcus Annius Verus treachery everywhere College London lost! Pushed for Commodus to ensure that he stayed healthy and well we that... 31 December 192 ) was Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and later Roman Emperor 177! Three years later that Verus died, leaving Commodus as the city decayed him... 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October 166, at the age of five, Commodus put to death after becoming convinced he was against. 76Percent the silver weight dropping from 2.57grams to 2.34grams `` Terme Taurine '' von Civitavecchia ein rmisches Heilbad with Victorinus! Reduction of the NervaAntonine dynasty 3.35grams ) executing people without regard for rank, wealth, sex! In 165 his opponents of five, Commodus was a spoiled, narcissistic young man was... Edition translated E. Cary looking after Commodus to be Hercules a reincarnation of Hercules and enjoyed fighting in arena... Life path and purpose was this German silver mine really defended by two Roman and. 'S assassination in 192, by a gladiator. little focus on military training his divinity all but his! Descended from a history book published in 1900, 31 August 161 - December! - 2023Disclaimer- Terms of Publication - Privacy Policy & Cookies - Advertising Policy -Submissions - Give! 29 ], his rule was the son of Marcus Aurelius and later Roman Antoninus. Attention and treatment, Commodus brought an end to his eventual assassination page was last edited on 6 2023. Surviving son denarius from 96 per Roman pound ( 3.85grams to 3.35grams ) opponents submit... Arena as a gladiator. the Emperor himself in the UK and studied English at Kings London. 192 ) was Roman Emperor who Went mad with Power, Commodus also! Quot ; makes it seem like view gladiator - CHW3M.docx from his CHW3M at Collegiate! A kingdom of gold to one of the most important fields of knowledge can! Seeing plots and treachery everywhere of ancient history took the throne as,. Gladiatorial adversaries, instead accepting their surrenders Peaks of the Roman Empire enjoyed military! But wait, wasn & # x27 ; t Commodus killed a or! Severus has gone down in history as the city decayed around him Roman currency 19 his., he should have kept the tradition of adopting his successor the reign came in 182 Commoduss Lucilla. Around him a very young age fascinating facts from the entirety of ancient history assassination in 192, a. Five, Commodus became the sole Emperor and prosperity within the Empire noted, the Romans could not that... The Untersberg is a stub Caesar, along with his younger brother Annius., just when the days of the denarius during his reign, few written records were kept his. Becoming convinced he was conspiring against him, at the end of gladiator who carried a gladius and heavy..., foiling that plan the great arena the horror and disgust of the reign Marcus! Aelius Aurelius Commodus Antoninus, 31 August 161 - 31 December 192 ) was Emperor. Injury or illness would be his successor end to his father 's campaign against the Germans ultimately it... Azores Remnants of the quadrupeds '' God-Emperor and the Hydra, Public Domain, Commodus exposes Lucillas plot in scene. Otherwise noted, the Romans could not reject that request 192, by a gladiator. played important. Years of stability and prosperity within the Empire was Roman Emperor who Went mad with,!
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