Editing Commodus (Gladiator) (section)

=== Coup d'État ===
Commodus was a cowardly and self-serving prince. He arrived to meet his father shortly after the Roman victory over the Barbarians, pleased to have avoided the dangers of war. Greeting Maximus with false camaraderie, he embraced the general as a brother while secretly harboring jealousy. Commodus introduced Maximus to senators Falco and Gaius, political allies loyal to him, and ominously hinted that when he became emperor, Maximus might be called back to service.

Later, Commodus visited Marcus Aurelius and declared his readiness to serve Rome. However, his father revealed his decision to name Maximus as his successor instead, believing Commodus lacked the moral integrity to rule. In private, Marcus confessed to Maximus that Commodus was unfit for leadership, calling him neither a good man nor a wise ruler.

Blinded by rage and rejection, Commodus suffocated his father in secret, claiming the throne for himself. Shortly afterward, he was crowned Emperor of Rome, setting in motion a tyrannical reign fueled by his insecurities and thirst for power.