logo
episode-header-image
May 2010
23m 55s

095- The Beginning of the End

MIKE DUNCAN
About this episode
Marcus elevated Commodus to the position of co-Emperor and then died a few years later while campaigning in the north. 
Up next
May 2010
096- The Most Aptly Named Emperor
The reign of Commodus turned on a botched assassination attempt orchestrated by his sister in 182 AD. 
26m 29s
Jun 2010
097- The Fall of Hercules
Commodus went off the deep end around 190 AD and was finally killed by his inner circle in 192. <br><br> 
27m 58s
Jun 2010
098- Purchasing Power
After Commodus was assassinated, Pertinax reigned for 86 days. He was murdered by the Praetorian Guard in March 193 and the Imperial throne was auctioned off the highest bidder. 
23m 2s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2022
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 6 "The Reign of Commodus"
Marcus Aurelius was the last of the 'Good Emperors'. His son, Commodus, proved to be the exact opposite of his father. A bloodthirsty tyrant, his reign is often seen as marking the beginning of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.Support the showFor a free ebook, maps and bl ... Show More
20m 35s
Sep 2012
Episode 4 - Give us a Roman Emperor
The Emperor Zeno dies in 491 after trying to appease the monophysites with his 'Henoticon.' Zeno's widow Ariadne then gets to pick his succesor and marries Flavius Anastasius. We have a look at the early years of his reign and the Isaurian War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv ... Show More
31m 16s
Jan 2019
Emperor Commodus Pt. 1: The Gladiator
Known as one of the most egotistical Roman emperors, Commodus famously commissioned statues depicting himself as the mythical hero Hercules. He regularly fought as a gladiator, and claimed to be the son of Jupiter. Ultimately his megalomania would be his downfall, when in 192, a ... Show More
40m 15s
Apr 2015
159 – An Offa End
Lets start with Christmas Day 795. That’s the day Pope Hadrian died… so uh… Merry Christmas? Hadrian was actually a pretty decent Pope… not Pope Francis level of awesome, though really who is? But he was still pretty good, and upon hearing of his death, Charlemagne commissioned A ... Show More
26m 48s
Jul 2016
Episode B32 – The Fourth Caesar
Synopsis:  Severus’ close friendship with Plautianus estranges him from his family.  In his final years, a rebellion in Britannia provides one last opportunity to shape his legacy. “The contemporaries of Severus, in this enjoyment of the peace and glory of his reign, forgave the ... Show More
31m 22s
Oct 2020
Caligula Pt. 2: Rome
In 37 CE, Caligula became the third emperor of Rome, ushering in a brief era of prosperity before pilfering the treasury and embarking on a quest to conquer Britannia. Before too long, his sadistic — and sometimes darkly comedic — rulings inspired a fatal conspiracy. Learn more a ... Show More
49m 16s
Jun 2024
Episode 298 - The Providence of God
Theodore Laskaris II beds down his father's conquests in Europe. But his early death sees his family sidelined by Michael Palaiologos. The new Emperor needs some victories to legitimise his seizure of power and the fates reward him beyond all expectations. Hosted on Acast. See ac ... Show More
29m 2s
Nov 2024
The Fall of the Roman Empire Episode 99 "Worse Things Will Happen"
We've reached a turning point in late Roman history. In 602, a Roman army officer called Phocas overthrew the emperor Maurice and began a tyrannical and bloodthirsty reign that would imperil the empire.Support the showFor a free ebook, maps and blogs check out my website nickholm ... Show More
22m 45s
Apr 2014
120 – Penda and Oswiu: The Winwaed
So when we last left off, things were going crazy in the North and in the Midlands. But the very last thing I mentioned was that Honorius, the Archbishop of Canterbury, had died. Well, his seat remained vacant for about six months until March 26, 654 (or maybe 655) when a new Arc ... Show More
28m 55s
Nov 2019
Episode T11 – Euergetes
Synopsis: Ongoing strife in Anatolia and Egypt allows Antiochus VII to campaign east against the Parthians.  His early successes inspire hopes of a resurgent Seleucid Empire, hopes shattered by his unexpected death. “In Asia, Attalos III as soon as he came to the throne began t ... Show More
33m 12s