Commodus as the Roman Hercules
Commodus. AD 177-192. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.32 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck AD 192. Head right, wearing lion skin headdress / Club facing downward between bow and quiver. RIC III 253; MIR 18, 857-4/90; RSC 195. VF, toned, minor porosity.
Attempting to separate himself with the philosophic nature of his father, Marcus Aurelius, and display his physical prowess, Commodus adopted the attire and persona of Hercules, believing himself to be the reincarnation of that deity. He would appear in the arena to fight not only other gladiators, but a variety of wild animals as well. Throughout his rule, Hercules was his symbol as the protector of the empire
