Commodus - Fact vs Fiction

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. When was the boy destined to become Emperor Commodus born? 161 CE 61 BCE 61 CE 161 BCE

2. Commodus was the son of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger. How many children did the couple have? (Hint: fortnight) 8 12 10 14

3. How did Commodus come to be emperor? He killed his father to keep the Senate from gaining power. He was his father's designated heir. He killed his father to keep the military from gaining power. After his father's death, he killed his rivals.

4. Commodus celebrated a triumph for his final VICTORIOUS completion of the military campaign against the Danube tribes which Marcus Aurelius had been waging at the time of his death. True False

5. Which of these best characterises the reign of Commodus? (Hint: He had plenty of time at home to indulge in bizarre gladiatorial extravaganzas.) It was a time of little military strife and much political unrest. It was a time of little military strife and little political unrest. It was a time of much military strife and much political unrest. It was t time of much military strife and little political unrest.

6. Did Emperor Commodus' sister actually organise a conspiracy against him? Yes No

7. Was the Roman Senate's resistance to Commodus actually led by Senator Gracchus, as shown in the film "Gladiator"? Yes No

8. Emperor Commodus liked to portray himself as a godlike figure of physical and spiritual power. To which classical figure did he often liken himself? Jupiter Achilles Hercules Apollo

9. Did Emperor Commodus actually fight against gladiators? Yes, but only in his private arena No, he only fought "wild beasts" No, but he competed as a charioteer Yes, often, both in private and in public

10. How did Emperor Commodus die? (Hint: The assassins had to resort to their 'backup' plan.) He was killed in the arena during combat. He died of natural causes. He was strangled. He was poisoned.