Question
Here is the question : WHICH MYTHOLOGICAL FIGURE DID COMMODUS DRESS UP AS IN THE COLOSSEUM?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Hercules
- Mars
- Apollo
- Jupiter
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Commodus, unlike some other emperors, had a natural aptitude for warfare. The emperor could kill up to a hundred animals in a single gladiatorial appearance with his javelins and arrows. Commodus dressed up as Hercules out of a desire for godlike power, which led to him being labelled insane shortly before his assassination.
Commodus, the Roman emperor who ruled from 180 to 192 CE, was known for his extravagant and often eccentric behavior. One of his notable exploits was his penchant for dressing up as the mythological figure Hercules during gladiatorial games held in the Colosseum. Born on August 31, 161 CE, Commodus was the son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and ascended to the throne at the age of 18. However, his fascination with Hercules and his desire to emulate the legendary hero would leave a lasting mark on his reign.
Commodus idolized Hercules and saw himself as a reincarnation of the powerful demigod. He admired Hercules’s strength, courage, and legendary status, and sought to embody these qualities in his own public image. Commodus believed that by dressing up as Hercules, he would not only emulate the hero’s physical prowess but also gain the adoration and reverence associated with the mythological figure.
During the gladiatorial games held at the Colosseum, Commodus would enter the arena dressed in a lion’s skin, carrying a club, and wearing a crown adorned with the symbolic attributes of Hercules. He would often perform staged battles and mock combat, portraying himself as the invincible hero. Commodus relished the attention and applause of the spectators, who were likely both awed and amused by his audacious display.
By assuming the persona of Hercules, Commodus sought to cultivate an image of strength and power. He believed that his association with the legendary hero would enhance his legitimacy as a ruler and solidify his position of authority. Commodus’s portrayal of Hercules in the Colosseum allowed him to bask in the glory of the mythological figure and project an aura of invincibility to the Roman public.
However, Commodus’s fascination with Hercules extended beyond mere theatrical performances. He went to great lengths to assert his identification with the hero, even incorporating Hercules’s name into his own imperial titulature. Commodus adopted the title “Hercules Romanus” (Hercules the Roman) and depicted himself in various artistic representations as Hercules, further solidifying his belief in his divine connection to the mythological figure.
Commodus’s obsession with Hercules and his theatrical displays in the Colosseum were met with mixed reactions. Some Romans viewed his actions as entertaining and embraced his larger-than-life persona. Others, however, saw his behavior as eccentric and detrimental to the dignity of the imperial office. Commodus’s actions were seen as a departure from the stoic and restrained traditions of his predecessors, particularly his father Marcus Aurelius.
Beyond his theatrical performances, Commodus’s reign was marked by corruption, excess, and a lack of effective governance. His preoccupation with his own image and his neglect of state affairs ultimately led to his downfall. In 192 CE, Commodus was assassinated, bringing an end to his tumultuous reign.
Commodus’s portrayal of Hercules in the