Execution of Perennis
Commodus orders the execution of Perennis after the prefect loses imperial confidence.
Role range: 0180-0192
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Lucius Aurelius Commodus Biography and Timeline — Page 2
Follow Lucius Aurelius Commodus through 69 dated historical records for Roman Empire.
Lucius Aurelius Commodus, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
69Distinct records
2 of 2Page
185–193Years on this page
185
Rise of Cleander
The imperial freedman Cleander becomes increasingly influential at court after the fall of Perennis.
Role range: 0180-0192
Sarmatian Campaign
Roman forces continue campaigning against Sarmatian groups during Commodus's reign.
Role range: 0180-0192
Title Felix
Commodus adopted the honorific title Felix as part of his official imperial presentation.
Role range: 0180-0192
186
British Army Revolt
Roman troops in Britain mutiny, prompting the appointment of Pertinax to restore discipline.
Role range: 0180-0192
Fifth Consulship
Commodus holds the consulship for a fifth time.
Role range: 0180-0192
Pertinax Restores British Discipline
Pertinax is sent to Britain and suppresses serious unrest among the provincial army.
Role range: 0180-0192
187
Maternus Festival Plot
Ancient accounts say Maternus plans to assassinate Commodus during a public festival before the conspiracy is exposed.
Role range: 0180-0192
Maternus Revolt
The deserter Maternus leads an armed revolt and bandit movement in Gaul during Commodus's reign.
Role range: 0180-0192
188
Victory over Rebellious Germans
Roman forces defeat rebellious Germanic groups during operations on the northern frontier.
Role range: 0180-0192
190
African Grain Fleet Honor
The African grain fleet received Commodian honorific associations as the regime emphasized the emperor's role in Rome's food supply.
Role range: 0180-0192
Denarius Debasement
The silver content and weight of the denarius are reduced during Commodus's reign.
Role range: 0180-0192
Fall of Cleander
Cleander loses Commodus's support after public disorder and is executed.
Role range: 0180-0192
Food Shortage Riots
A severe food shortage helps trigger unrest in Rome and intensifies opposition to Cleander.
Role range: 0180-0192
Sixth Consulship
Commodus serves as consul for the sixth time.
Role range: 0180-0192
191
Great Fire
A major fire destroys extensive areas of Rome during Commodus's reign.
Role range: 0180-0192
Imperial Name Change
Commodus modifies his formal imperial name as his public self-presentation becomes more personal and dynastic.
Role range: 0180-0192
Roman Hercules Identity
Commodus increasingly presents himself publicly as the Roman Hercules and adopts imagery associated with the hero.
Role range: 0180-0192
192
Death of Commodus
Commodus is assassinated in a palace conspiracy on December 31, 192.
Role range: 0180-0192
Poisoning Attempt
Marcia administered poisoned wine to Commodus after the conspirators decided to act against him.
Role range: 0180-0192
Colonia Commodiana
Commodus renames Rome Colonia Commodiana as part of his increasingly personal imperial program.
Role range: 0180-0192
Colossus Recast as Commodus
Commodus replaces the head of the Colossus with his own likeness and associates the monument with his Hercules persona.
Role range: 0180-0192
Crispina Exiled
Commodus exiled his wife Bruttia Crispina to Capri after accusing her of adultery.
Role range: 0180-0192
Death List Discovered
Marcia discovered a list naming herself, Laetus, Eclectus and others whom Commodus allegedly intended to execute.
Role range: 0180-0192
Months Renamed
Commodus orders the months of the year renamed after his own titles and honorific names.
Role range: 0180-0192
New Year Gladiator Plan
Commodus planned to appear from the gladiatorial barracks in gladiator dress for the New Year ceremonies of 193.
Role range: 0180-0192
Public Arena Performances
Commodus appears publicly in the Colosseum, displaying his marksmanship against animals and participating in staged gladiatorial combats.
Role range: 0180-0192
Seventh Consulship
Commodus holds the consulship for a seventh time with Pertinax as his colleague.
Role range: 0180-0192
193
Damnatio Memoriae
The Senate condemned Commodus's memory after his death, although Septimius Severus later rehabilitated and deified him.
Role range: 0180-0192
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.