The Life and Times of Lucius Aurelius Commodus

Lucius Aurelius Commodus was born a twin in 161, but lost his brother three years later to childhood disease. When the younger Marcus died in 169 after failing to recover from a dangerous surgery, Commodus was left as the emperor's only surviving son. While Marcus had been kept away from the army, Commodus accompanied Marcus on campaign and became a beloved mascot of sorts for rank-and-file soldiers.