Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus
"Hercules Romanus" The reign of Commodus was marked by cruel tyranny, including the condemnation of many senators. He hosted bloody games during which he personally performed as a gladiator. Commodus demanded divine worship, and toward the end of his rule, he declared himself the new incarnation of Hercules. As Hercules Romanus, he appeared in appropriate attire, wearing a lion's skin and wielding a massive club.
The emperor was assassinated on December 31, 192 CE, in a conspiracy orchestrated by the praetorian prefect Aemilius Laetus, the chamberlain Eclectus, and his concubine Marcia. She poisoned his wine, but the emperor merely fell ill. Weakened by vomiting, he was strangled in his own bed by the wrestler Narcissus, whom the conspirators had allowed into his chambers.
Denomination: Denarius, Ag
Obverse: Head of Commodus to right, wearing lion skin headdress, L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL
Reverse: HERCVL ROMAN AVGV, Club; all within wreath
Mint: Rome, 192 A.D.
Weight: 3,12 g
Diameter: 17mm
Provenance: CNG
Referência :
18.2 RIC III 251, RSC 190
Coleção :
IMPERIUM ROMANUM 03 - Antonine