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PERIOD OF MILITARY DESPOTISM .-- DECLINE OF THE EMPIRE.
COMMODUS (180-192).
On the death of Aurelius, his son, Commodus, hastened to Rome, and was received by both the Senate and army without opposition.

His character was the opposite of that of his good father.

In ferocity and vindictiveness he was almost unequalled, even among the Emperors of unhappy Rome.

By means of informers, who were well paid, he rid himself of the best members of the Senate.