Faces of Roman Emperors: Nerva to the Severan Dynasty (Image Gallery) p. 8

Image Gallery

by Arienne King
published on 22 February 2021

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Commodus (Artistic Facial Reconstruction)

by Daniel Voshart
published on 23 October 2020

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Commodus (Artistic Facial Reconstruction) — View Full-Size Image

Commodus (r. 180-192 CE) became Roman emperor after the death of his father Marcus Aurelius, after ruling jointly as his co-emperor from 176 CE onward. Commodus developed a reputation as a vain and at times cruel emperor, whose reign marked a period of decline for the Roman Empire. As a result, many conspirators plotted attempts on his life, including his own sister Lucilla whom he exiled and later executed. Commodus’ narcissism and megalomania grew, culminating in his attempt to rename the city of Rome and the months of the year after himself. He was assassinated in 192 CE by his wrestling partner Narcissus at the instigation of the Praetorian Guard.

Pictured alongside the reconstruction is the bust of Commodus from the J. Paul Getty Museum.

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