Anyway at 16 Commodus was appointed co-emperor. He also became the youngest consul in Roman History up to that date. Four years later at age 20 he was sole emperor. Perhaps, Marcus Aurelius could have chosen a better path. He could have “adopted” a better man as his son. read more
Nonetheless, primogeniture won out and Commodus became emperor. Maybe, if Marcus Aurelius had lived longer, perhaps he would have chosen a different path. There was a rumor that Commodus was not the natural son of Marcus Aurelius but rather the product of one of Faustina’s many affairs. Anyway at 16 Commodus was appointed co-emperor. read more
Marcus betrothed Pompeianus to his daughter, Lucilla, the widow of Lucius Verus. She was one of the most powerful women in Rome, being titled Augusta, empress, from her marriage to Lucius, and also a daughter of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. read more