THE GLADIATOR EMPEROR

Commodus, the Roman Emperor from 180 to 192 AD, was known for his eccentric and often brutal behavior. One of his most notorious acts was his frequent participation in gladiatorial combat in the Colosseum.

He actually entered the arena and fought against other gladiators, often against heavily disadvantaged opponents or wild animals. It's believed that many of his "victories" were staged, with opponents deliberately surrendering or being weakened beforehand. This behavior was likely a combination of a desire for public approval, a twisted sense of self-aggrandizement, and perhaps even a genuine interest in the brutality of the games. This obsession with gladiatorial combat likely contributed to the decline of his reign and ultimately led to his assassination.

The extent of Commodus's actual skill and the true nature of his gladiatorial contests are debated among historians.