Abbey, Ettal. Historia Augusta. 117.
The primary source that is relevant to the topic is The Historia Augusta, a collection of biographies of Roman emperors written during the late 4th century CE. The section on Commodus provides insight into his reign and character, as well as the political and social climate of the Roman Empire during his rule. For example, Historia Augusta portrays Commodus as an arrogant and cruel ruler who was more interested in his own pleasure and self-aggrandizement than in the welfare of the Roman people.1 It suggests that his reign was marked by corruption, violence, and political instability.
Arnøy, Ingjerd. “The Literary Character of the Roman Emperor Commodus.” Master’s thes., Nord University, 2022. Web.
The secondary source provides an in-depth analysis of the portrayal of Commodus in literary sources, including contemporary accounts and historical works, which sheds light on how these sources compare to his portrayal in the film. Arnøy states that the literary portrayal of Commodus is complex and multifaceted, with different sources presenting varying interpretations of his character and reign.2 The contemporary accounts of Commodus were often highly critical, depicting him as a cruel and despotic ruler who was responsible for a decline in the fortunes of the Roman Empire. However, other literary sources, including historical works and biographies, offer a more nuanced portrayal of Commodus, highlighting his strengths as well as his weaknesses.
Dio, Cassius. Roman History. 211.
The primary source that is relevant to the topic is Roman History by Cassius Dio, a Roman senator, and historian who lived in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. Dio’s work covers the period from the founding of Rome to the reign of Alexander Severus and provides a detailed account of Commodus’ rule. In his account, Dio portrays Commodus as a tyrant who was more interested in his own pleasure and power than in the welfare of the Roman people.3 He suggests that Commodus’ rule was marked by corruption, violence, and political instability and that the emperor was eventually assassinated as a result of his misrule.
Scott, Ridley. Gladiator. Universal City: Universal Pictures, 2000.
The secondary provides a popular representation of the Roman Emperor Commodus and the state of the Roman Empire during his reign. The character of Commodus is played by actor Joaquin Phoenix and is portrayed as a deranged and megalomaniacal ruler who is obsessed with power and driven by a desire for personal glory. The film depicts Commodus as a corrupt and cruel emperor who is responsible for the downfall of the Roman Empire. He is shown as a capricious ruler who indulges in orgies and gladiatorial games while ignoring the needs of his people.4 In contrast, the protagonist of the film, Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, is portrayed as a virtuous and honorable general who seeks to restore order and justice to the empire.
Smith-Rowsey, Daniel. “Historical Epic Blockbusters: Are You Not Entertained … By Actors?” In Blockbuster Performances: How Actors Contribute to Cinema’s Biggest Hits, edited by Daniel Smith-Rowsey, 13-39. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018.
The secondary source offers insights into how actors contribute to the portrayal of historical figures in film, including the portrayal of the Roman Emperor Commodus in the modern media. Smith-Rowsey claims that the portrayal of historical figures in film is often influenced by contemporary attitudes and perceptions rather than historical accuracy.5 The chapter highlights the role of the actor in shaping the portrayal of historical figures in film.
Steyn, Margaret C. “From Bread and Circuses to Movies and Popcorn: Filmic Representations of Ancient Rome and The Legacy of Its Violent Entertainment.” PhD thes., University of South Africa, 2021. Web.
The secondary source explores the representation of Ancient Rome in film and its impact on modern popular culture. The author focuses on the portrayal of the Roman Emperor Commodus and the state of the Roman Empire during his reign. Steyn states that the portrayal of Ancient Rome in the films is often influenced by contemporary political and cultural concerns rather than historical accuracy.6 The relevance is that filmmakers have a responsibility to balance the demands of entertainment with a commitment to historical accuracy and respect for the complexity of the past.
References
Abbey, Ettal. Historia Augusta. 117.
Arnøy, Ingjerd. “The Literary Character of the Roman Emperor Commodus.” Master’s thes., Nord University, 2022. Web.
Dio, Cassius. Roman History. 211.
Scott, Ridley. Gladiator. Universal City: Universal Pictures, 2000.
Smith-Rowsey, Daniel. “Historical Epic Blockbusters: Are You Not Entertained … By Actors?” In Blockbuster Performances: How Actors Contribute to Cinema’s Biggest Hits, edited by Daniel Smith-Rowsey, 13-39. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018.
Steyn, Margaret C. “From Bread and Circuses to Movies and Popcorn: Filmic Representations of Ancient Rome and The Legacy of Its Violent Entertainment.” PhD thes., University of South Africa, 2021. Web.
Footnotes
- Ettal Abbey, Historia Augusta (117), 57.
- Ingjerd Arnøy, “The Literary Character of the Roman Emperor Commodus” (Master’s thes., Nord University, 2022), 23.
- Cassius Dio, Roman History (211), 84.
- Ridley Scott, Gladiator (Universal City: Universal Pictures, 2000).
- Daniel Smith-Rowsey, “Historical Epic Blockbusters: Are You Not Entertained … By Actors?” In Blockbuster Performances: How Actors Contribute to Cinema’s Biggest Hits (edited by Daniel Smith-Rowsey, 13-39. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2018), 34.
- Margaret C. Steyn, “From Bread and Circuses to Movies and Popcorn: Filmic Representations of Ancient Rome and The Legacy of Its Violent Entertainment” (PhD thes., University of South Africa, 2021), 5.