Commodus and Gladiatorial Society

The video explores the reign of Emperor Commodus, focusing on his controversial decision to fight as a gladiator, which shocked Roman society. Commodus' actions strained his relationship with the Senate, leading to political conflict. He used public games to gain favor with the people, but his self-promotion and financial demands on the Roman treasury further alienated the elite. Commodus' ambition to rename Rome and his eventual assassination by his gladiatorial trainer, under Senate orders, highlight the tension between personal ambition and political reality.

What was the social status of gladiators in Roman society?

• Members of the Senate

• Religious leaders

• Highly respected warriors

• Lowest stratum of free Romans

Why was Commodus's decision to fight as a gladiator shocking?

• Gladiators were considered elite

• It was a common practice for emperors

• It was a religious duty

• Gladiators had no legal personality

What was Commodus's strategy to gain public support?

• Building new temples

• Ignoring the people

• Hosting lavish games

• Appealing directly to the Senate

How did the Roman elite view Commodus's actions as a gladiator?

• They supported his decision

• They admired his bravery

• They were ashamed and saw it as debasement

• They were indifferent

What role did the Colosseum play in the relationship between the emperor and the people?

• It was used for Senate meetings

• It fostered a dynamic relationship

• It was a private venue for the emperor

• It was a place for religious ceremonies

What was extraordinary about Commodus's participation in the games?

• He was the first emperor to do so

• It was a religious obligation

• It was expected of all emperors

• It was a common practice among elites

What drastic changes did Commodus make to Rome?

• He moved the capital

• He abolished the Senate

• He renamed it after himself

• He banned gladiator games

How did Commodus's self-promotion affect his relationship with the Senate?

• It strengthened their alliance

• It had no effect

• It further alienated the Senate

• It led to a peace treaty

Who ultimately ended Commodus's life?

• A foreign invader

• The Roman Senate

• His sister Lucila

• His gladiatorial trainer, Narcissus

What was the irony in Commodus's death?

• He was killed by a senator

• He was killed by a gladiator, the role he admired

• He died of natural causes

• He was killed by his own family