Comparison Essay Marcus Aurelius vs

Cicero, Roman Senator and Philosopher, set up specific qualities of an ideal Roman ruler. A clear role in what it takes to effectively lead. A leader must first lead a dignified life for them to lead a successful empire. Leaders must demonstrate a work ethic and ability to gain respect. With that respect, leaders must love and care for their subordinates to show their compassionate towards the Roman people. Leaders must then demonstrate ethics to provide plans that must be followed in order to bring success to their empire. Politically, Cicero’s ideals reflected on both Marcus Aurelius and Commodus in various distinct ways. Marcus Aurelius and Commodus were men that ruled the empire of Rome and their governance had a profound impact in the Roman history. However while Marcus Aurelius was a grown just, benevolent man who fought for the power of Rome and successfully won the battle, Commodus was young, ignorant, cruel ruler, who demanded respect soon after he took position as emperor, and seriously weakened Roman Empire.

Marcus Aurelius and Commodus, two powerful men in Roman history, were both determine and single- minded men in what they desired. Focused on their solid definition of fine leadership and ruling. Marcus Aurelius wanted to acquire Rome’s freedom from the war against the Germans. He himself carried on with a war against the Germans with the Marcommani, as an ally. With the greatest labor and patience Marcus Aurelius persevered for three long years to greatly end the war. In contrast to Marcus Aurelius, Commodus wanted to become a powerful emperor after the death of his father. Commodus wanted reverence, therefore Commodus assassinated any prosperous men who could possibly take his place in Roman Empire. For he was guilty for many deaths of great people. Among them Commodus killed the General Maximum and his family; for Maximum had a great reputation for learning, military skill, brotherly accord, and wealth. Both Marcus Aurelius and Commodus had their individual views of supremacy for the well- being of Rome.

While Marcus Aurelius actions before and after the victorious war demonstrated the traits of an honest benevolent man, Commodus malevolent actions only demanded honor and respect from his people, to then take a prestigious civilization into a complete disaster. Marcus Aurelius carried on a war against the Germans. With the Marcommani and Marcus Aurelius’ greatest labor and patience Marcus persevered for many years to end the war successfully. After the war, Marcus Aurelius faced major conflict. As the treasury was drained by the war, Rome’s emperor had no money to give his soldiers. However Marcus Aurelius didn’t gave up and he didn’t lay any extra tax on the provinces or Senate, also selling all of his imperial furniture and decorations to sustain the Roman Empire for two successive months, demonstrating he was “merciful after the victory”. Commodus was responsible for multiple deaths during his period of rule. Commodus murdered any prosperous men who could possibly take his place in Roman Empire. Therefore he turned over to murder every time men opposed to him. During his time of ruling over two thousand people died a day in Rome. Additionally, Commodus demanded Rome to be name after him, for Commodus declared that he had to receive such honor. Rome’s people opposed and expressed that Commodus’ name was only a curse for the Roman civilization. Marcus Aurelius appreciated the lives of his followers and didn’t let them die in one of Rome’s worst times, Commodus saw everyone below subordinate to him, believing their lives were worthless and that only him shall receive respect.

While Marcus Aurelius had an honest and ethical way of governing, that gain him the respect and admirance of the Roman citizens, Commodus devious and cruel way of ruling only gain him the abomination and dislike of his people. Commodus seeked the glories and spoils of success without needing to apply the effort. He was culpable for over two thousand deaths a day, among them thousands who opposed to his merciless decisions. The death of the victims however passed unheeded for Commodus set greater curse to the Romans than any crime. He ordered the Rome itself to be called Commodiana, to represent that he had complete and total power among them, for they were subservient to him. For these reasons his guards laid plans to attack Commodus. The guards sent Narcissus, an athlete and wrestler, to strangle Commodus to death. Therefore ending the curse that Commodus had set among Rome. Marcus Aurelius rather than seeking personal fame and honor among his people, he seeks various accomplishments such as freedom, peace and success for Rome during war against the Greeks. Marcus Aurelius is able to demonstrate the noble man he is, gaining the trust of his peers. Marcus Aurelius dies in the eighteen year of his reign. However he was enrolled among the gods, all the Senate voted unanimously that he should have such prestige and recognition. Because Marcus Aurelius had ethical achievements that transform Rome into a wealthy, prosperous civilization, Marcus Aurelius received honor, while Commodus, in the contrast, had immoral beliefs that only changed the kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust.