Overview of Emperor Commodus Lesson

Marble bust of a man with thick curly hair and a full beard, wearing a toga with a fibula clasp.
Marble bust of emperor Commodus in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. © History Skills

Learning objectives

In this lesson, students will examine how Commodus transformed the Roman imperial office into a vehicle for personal spectacle, abandoning military campaigns and administrative duties in favour of theatrical performances that claimed divine status. They will analyse how his prioritisation of self-glorification over effective rule corrupted the administration, alienated the military, and triggered the political chaos that followed his assassination. Students will have the opportunity to achieve this through choosing their own method of learning, from reading and research options, as well as the chance to engage in extension activities. This lesson includes a self-marking quiz for students to demonstrate their learning.

How would you like to learn?

Option 1: Reading


Step 1: Download a copy of the reading questions worksheet:

Download
Commodus Reading Questions.docx
Microsoft Word Document 27.5 KB

Step 2: Answer the set questions by reading the webpage below:


Option 2: Internet research


Download a copy of the research worksheet and use the internet to complete the tables.

Download
Commodus Research Worksheet.docx
Microsoft Word Document 30.1 KB

Test your learning



Extension activities



Resources for subscribers