Salah

Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180 CE) was the last in a line of four emperors who were adopted by their predecessor based on their merit and character, rather than their birth. Rather than grooming a successor in this manner, however, Marcus allowed his son Commodus to succeed him on his death, March 17th of 180. Commodus proved to be a violent, fickle, and megalonmaniacal personality who allowed his corrupt underlings to rule in his name. After a reign of twelve long, dramatic years, he was finally murdered in a conspiracy led by his mistress and his Praetorian prefect.

If Marcus Aurelius had groomed another man to succeed him, he would have either indirectly caused his son's execution or asassination, or else would have sown the seeds for a civil war. No adopted heir would tolerate the existence of legitimate issue of his predecessor. In my opinion, Marcus did what any father in his position would have done, and just crossed his fingers for the best.

Cassius Dio was of the opinion that Commodus was not naturally evil or self-absorbed; he was simply easily influenced by companions that were. Perhaps most or all of Commodus' disturbing traits were not openly visible until after his father died.

One's true self is much harder to conceal when one finds himself the indisupted master of the largest empire on earth.

okamido

I am being magnanimous when I say he fell to his own ego.

Cicero

MA is a hero of sorts for me and it pains me to think ill of him. I suspect that he didn't expect to die when he did on campaign in Vienna... who of us do expect to die when we do... and that he might mitigate any malignant aspects of his son with enough time. This is just a feeling with no corroborative evidence
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gaius valerius

Well the previous like Trajan and Hadrian were both... not into women. But a given, M-A does seem to be a trendbreaker. Though I don't think Commodus is the madmen Gladiator makes him out to be and I don't think anyone could have foreseen the consequences.

Caracalla

Commodus was the first emperor to be born while his father wore the purple. So, I guess, he was a spoiled brat since birth and was not used to being told no. I agree with the opinion that MA had no choice unless he was to condemn his son to death and, up to that point, what was Commodus's crime? Being spoilt.

Sargon of Akkad

Really? Why so? I thought Gladiator was actually quite kind to Commodus, we didn't see him strapping a bunch of midgets together to make a giant and then slaying that in the arena or anything...

To answer the OP: yes, the man was a monster - a merit-based non-paternal heir always makes the most sense.

bluesman

Should we expect anything else? One's own son is a natural choice for an heir. Marcus Aurelius did what he thought was right. For once, he was catastrophically mistaken. However, I do not think you can ascribe it to his ego. He cared about his son and wanted him to rule, and did what he could to groom him.

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but didn't Commodus share the purple with MA for years? Aurelius was trying to get him ready for power, and when he died he probably thought Commodus would follow his example. Men can't control their children after they die, though.

Also, I was under the impression MA actually wanted his older son to succeed him, but that child died prematurely. Can anyone elaborate?

The other Good Emperors did not have biological issue, or Marcus himself would not have been emperor. Adoption was used when there was no blood children capable of ruling. In retrospect, Aurelius should have gone that route, but can we expect a man to reject his own son in that manner?

I love Marcus Aurelius as a historical figure, and read part of his meditations every day, so I am pretty biased. Take my opinion with a grain of salt, or lighter substance.

The Imperial

Hey I watched Gladiator today.....

Aint Marcus the good old man who offers Maximus (the general) temporary power, and declines Commudus the throne?

RoyalGovnaWatts

Was Commodus the one that fought in the Arena as emperor?

Mohammed the Persian

Not to derail the thread but ....

How many Roman Emperors are there ?
Sorry, I know absolutely nothing about Roman History , aside from the stereotypical stuff (like Caesar, Octavius, Hollywood stuff, Nero nominating his horse for Senator or was that someone else ?). I might seem like an infidel to Salah ad-din