The ascension of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Commodus to the joint emperorship of Rome came in the wake of Antoninus Pius's death, a leader known for fostering stability and prosperity throughout the empire. Aurelius, revered as a philosopher-emperor, was committed to Stoic principles and aimed to govern with wisdom and justice. Meanwhile, Commodus, whose full name included Lucius, exhibited contrasting traits, embodying the more indulgent nature of royal privilege. Their joint rule was unprecedented, with both leaders sharing power during a time when the empire faced growing challenges on multiple fronts, including increasing pressure from Germanic tribes along the northern borders and the challenges of managing a sprawling, diverse population within Rome itself.

The political climate necessitated a delicate balance of governance, as Aurelius sought to engage in philosophical reflection and military strategies, while Commodus often favored more populist measures that occasionally led to excesses. The cooperative model of emperorship they undertook was intended to ensure stability and continuity, demonstrating a rare moment of collaboration amid the increasingly autocratic tendencies that would define later emperors. However, this arrangement also gradually highlighted the differences in their governing styles and visions for Rome's future.

As time progressed, Aurelius’s philosophical insights began to clash with Commodus's self-indulgent approach, causing rifts that influenced the administration’s efficacy. The pragmatic virtues of Aurelius, depicted in his Meditations, became gray against the backdrop of Commodus's preference for spectacle and personal glorification. The growing discontent among political elites and the military would lay the groundwork for unrest, especially as Aurelius passed in 180, leaving Commodus with a legacy that would ultimately lead to decline and chaos.