The Fall of the Roman Empire

In the winter of 180 AD, Emperor Marcus Aurelius is facing invasions from Germanic tribes along the Danube frontier. His deputies include the Greek ex-slave Timonides and General Gaius Livius, who are tasked with protecting the northern territories. Aurelius privately wishes to implement reforms and promote equality across the empire.

Aurelius desires to select a successor who will reform the empire and grant equal rights. He rejects his son Commodus because of his preference for rule by force. Instead, Aurelius contemplates nominating Livius, who embodies his egalitarian ideals.

Before announcing his successor, Aurelius is poisoned by Commodus's ally Cleander, who aims to secure power for Commodus. Feeling insecure without Aurelius's support, Livius chooses to let his friend take the throne, despite their personal convictions.

Commodus becomes emperor after Aurelius's death, but harbors resentment towards his father for denying him the throne. He begins to reverse Aurelius's policies of equality and imposes heavy taxes to increase his wealth.

Livius's forces successfully defeat the Germanic tribes on the northern frontier, capturing the chieftain Ballomar and his court. The victory is a significant military achievement for Rome and sets the stage for diplomacy with the barbarians.

Timonides and Lucilla persuade Livius to advocate for mercy rather than harsh treatment for the German captives. Livius’s efforts result in the barbarians being allowed to settle peacefully as farmers in Italy, promoting peace and cooperation.

Lucilla joins a revolt in the eastern provinces afflicted by famine and heavy taxes. Commodus responds by sending his northern army against the rebels, risking civil conflict in his efforts to maintain control.

Sohaemus, the Armenian king, attacks Livius with his army and reinforcements from Persia, which leads to a fierce battle. The rebels ultimately switch sides, helping Livius defeat Sohaemus, strengthening Livius's position.

Commodus proclaims Livius as his co-emperor, but only if the northern army enforces brutal punishments on the rebellious provinces. Livius and Lucilla oppose this brutality and plan to return to Rome to challenge Commodus.

Livius and Lucilla lead their army to Rome, intending to force Commodus to abdicate. Commodus responds by bribing soldiers and massacring Timonides and the German colony, showing his brutality and determination to hold power.

Lucilla attempts to hire the gladiator Verulus to kill her brother, Commodus. However, he declines, revealing his illegitimate connection to Commodus and his own past affairs, thwarting the assassination plan.

The Senate deifies Commodus, and Livius and Lucilla are sentenced to be burned alive as human sacrifices. The citizens celebrate, but behind the scenes, political chaos brews as Commodus consolidates his power.

Livius and Commodus fight a duel where Livius ultimately kills Commodus with a javelin in the Roman Forum, ending his reign. Livius's victory ushers in a possible new beginning, but he doubts Rome’s capacity for true reform due to internal corruption.

After killing Commodus, Livius leaves Rome with Lucilla, departing amidst ongoing political turmoil. An epilogue mentions that Rome's internal corruption eventually led to the empire's collapse, despite the absence of immediate fall.