After Commodus died in 192 CE, Rome plunged into a brief but violent power struggle, and the Senate quickly condemned his memory. His death kicked off a succession crisis that led to the Year of the Five Emperors, ending with Septimius Severus taking control.

What happened next

  • The Senate declared Commodus a public enemy and tried to erase his legacy through damnatio memoriae , destroying statues and other public symbols tied to him.
  • Pertinax was chosen as emperor, but he was killed only months later by the Praetorian Guard.
  • Several men then fought for the throne, including Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, Clodius Albinus, and Septimius Severus.
  • Septimius Severus eventually won the civil war and became emperor.

Why it mattered

Commodus’ death did not bring stability; it exposed how fragile imperial succession could be when no clear heir was accepted. The aftermath helped push Rome into a period of open military and political competition for power.

Legacy shift

Even though the Senate tried to erase him, Commodus was later partially rehabilitated under Septimius Severus, who even linked himself to Marcus Aurelius’ family line and promoted a more favorable view of Commodus.

If you want, I can also give you a 5-line timeline of the events after Commodus died.