Commodus was born on August 31, 161, to Marcus Aurelius and his wife, Faustina the Younger. Growing up, he was groomed for leadership in the ever-expanding Roman Empire. Following his father's death, a pivotal moment in Roman history occurred as Commodus, still a teenager at eighteen, took the throne. This ascent was notable as Marcus Aurelius was not just any emperor; he was renowned for his Stoic philosophy and leadership during challenging times. The transition from Marcus, who ideologically upheld the principles of duty and virtue, to Commodus, who favored personal pleasure and spectacle, was jarring for the empire.Commodus’s reign began with promise, but it quickly devolved into a more autocratic style of leadership. He was fascinated with gladiatorial games and would participate in combats, an unusual practice for an emperor. Commodus also sought legitimacy through a series of public displays, often portraying himself as the reincarnation of Hercules. His reign saw increased reliance on the military, the decline of senatorial power, and growing discontent among Roman elites. As tensions rose, his actions would sow the seeds of instability that would challenge the cohesion of the empire. This misalignment between his personal extravagance and the Roman ideals led to significant unrest among the aristocracy.