Commodus
Roman Emperor during the 2nd century
Born
August 31st, 161
1863 years ago
Died
December 31st, 192
1832 years ago — 31 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Roman Empire
Links & References
Became emperor in 180 AD, ruling until 192 AD. His reign is often marked by a focus on personal entertainment and gladiatorial contests. Shifted some governmental responsibilities to favorites and was known for his eccentricities. His rule led to considerable instability within the Roman Empire that followed his assassination. Commodus was also depicted as a gladiator, participating in games and contests to showcase his prowess.
Served as Roman Emperor from 180 to 192
Participated in gladiatorial games as a competitor
Other People Born on August 31st
Milan Biševac
Born in Serbia, this footballer played primarily as a defender. He began his career with the youth system of Red Star Belgrade before moving to France to play for several clubs. Notably, he played for Valenciennes and Lyon in Ligue 1, where he contributed significantly to the team's successes. He represented Serbia internationally, making appearances in major tournaments.
Continue ReadingJoe Budden
Gained recognition as a rapper in the early 2000s with the release of the single 'Pump It Up' from the album 'Joe Budden.' Transitioned into broadcasting, hosting the podcast 'The Joe Budden Podcast,' which covered music, culture, and social issues. Developed a prominent platform for discussing various topics and featured numerous guests from the entertainment industry. Involved in debates and discussions related to hip-hop and contemporary culture, earning a substantial following.
Continue ReadingStephen McKinley Henderson
An accomplished actor, notable for performances in both film and theater. Gained recognition for roles in the Broadway production of 'Fences' and the film adaptation directed by Denzel Washington. Participated in numerous theatrical productions, showcasing a range of characters. Also appeared in films such as 'Lincoln' and 'Doubt,' contributing to the narrative depth of these stories.
Continue ReadingLien Huyghebaert
Born in 1982, a Belgian sprinter specialized in the 400 meters. Competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics representing Belgium. Achieved numerous national titles in track events. Earned a reputation for speed and consistency throughout competitive career.
Continue ReadingRudolf Schenker
A guitarist and songwriter, contributions to rock music include founding the band Scorpions in 1965. The band achieved global success with the album 'Blackout' and the power ballad 'Wind of Change', which became an anthem during the fall of the Berlin Wall. Significant involvement in songwriting and production, shaping the band's sound over the decades. Tours and performances across the world showcased the band's influence in the heavy metal genre.
Continue ReadingGary Webb
An investigative journalist and author gained recognition for the 'Dark Alliance' series published in 1996, which linked the CIA to drug trafficking activities in Los Angeles. The series detailed how Nicaraguan Contra rebels were involved in cocaine trade that fueled crack cocaine epidemic in urban America. Webb's work faced significant criticism from mainstream media, leading to controversy over the accuracy and implications of his findings. Despite the backlash, the reporting sparked public debate on government accountability and narcotics. Webb went on to write a book titled 'Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion', which further explored these topics. His work remains a reference point in discussions about media ethics and government transparency.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
Thomas Joannes Stieltjes
A mathematician with significant contributions to analysis and the theory of functions, Stieltjes worked extensively on integration and provided a generalization of the Riemann integral, now known as the Stieltjes integral. This framework facilitates the integration process for functions that are not easily handled by traditional methods. Additionally, his work on continued fractions helped advance the field of number theory. Stieltjes held academic positions in both his native Netherlands and France, influencing the study of mathematics in both countries.
Continue ReadingJean-François Marmontel
A prominent French historian and author, produced influential literary and historical texts during the 18th century. His work included a variety of essays, as well as a well-received series of tales known as 'Contes moraux'. The most notable accomplishment includes the historical novel 'Bélisaire', which critiqued intolerance and depicted the struggles of its titular blind general. Marmontel also contributed to the Encyclopédie and engaged in intellectual circles of Enlightenment thinkers.
Continue ReadingTarak Mekki
A prominent businessman and politician in Tunisia, contributed to the political landscape following the Arab Spring. Served as a member of the Tunisian Constituent Assembly, playing a role in drafting the new constitution. Focused on economic reforms and business development in post-revolution Tunisia, fostering a new environment for investments and entrepreneurship.
Continue ReadingPer Oscarsson
An actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, recognized for contributions to European cinema. Gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Appeared in notable films such as 'The Uninvited' and 'The Nothing Factory'. Beyond acting, directed several stage productions and spent time developing screenplays. Received acclaim for performance in 'The Man on the Roof', which showcased versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. Awarded the Guldbagge Award for Best Actor.
Continue ReadingArchibald Hoxsey
Born in 1884, a prominent American pilot contributed significantly to early aviation. Hoxsey participated in various air races and exhibitions, showcasing flying skills and aircraft capabilities. Recognized for pioneering techniques in aerobatics, he became one of the early advocates for aviation safety and efficiency. Notably, Hoxsey flew a challenging route in 1914, capturing attention for an unprecedented non-stop flight. His career influenced aircraft design and aerial navigation through insights gathered during flight experiences.
Continue ReadingSamuel Ajayi Crowther
The first African bishop of the Anglican Church served as the Bishop of the Niger. Translated the Bible into Yoruba and contributed to the development of written Yoruba. Played a vital role in the establishment of the Church Missionary Society and emphasized education in his ministry. Engaged in the promotion of African languages and culture.
Continue Reading