Prefekci pretorianów cesarza Kommodusa

Abstract

The article presents the history of ten praetorian prefects (PPO) of the Emperor Commodus. The prosopographical method used by the author of the article is extremely useful in the studies on individuals in the society of Imperium Romanum. In this type of research, it is particularly important to note that praefecti praetorio as a clerical elite were very well represented in ancient sources, which renders the historical material highly representable for this group. During the twelve years’ rule of Commodus, the number of PPOs, representing nearly forty percent of these offi cials during the reign of the emperors of the Antonine dynasty (96–192), clearly indicates lack of stability and continuous political struggle in the Rome of those days. The presentation of ten PPOs, the highest equestrian officials, sheds light on the political system of the last emperor of the Antonine dynasty.