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Balash vs Commodus
Balash leads by 3.2 pts · 2 figures compared
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Balash
Emperor · Ancient
48.6Total
Commodus
Emperor · Ancient
45.4Total
Basic Information
Born
460
161
Died
488
192
Era
Ancient
Ancient
Nationality
Sasanian Empire
Roman Empire
Occupation
Emperor
Emperor
Civilization
Middle Eastern
Western
Score Comparison
Military (10%)
53.0
39.5
Political (20%)
40.9
33.5
Influence (20%)
57.5
61.7
Legacy (20%)
47.4
48.6
Leadership (15%)
36.7
35.0
Strategy (15%)
57.3
49.5
TOTAL
48.6
45.4
Expert Analysis
Balash vs Commodus: Historical Comparison This comprehensive analysis compares Balash (Emperor, Ancient era) and Commodus (Emperor, Ancient era) across six quantitative dimensions of historical impact and achievement. The comparison evaluates both figures using the HistoryVersus v4.0 scoring system, which measures: Military capability (10% weight), Political governance (20%), Historical Influence (20%), Lasting Legacy (20%), Leadership effectiveness (15%), and Strategic innovation (15%). Each dimension is scored on a 0-100 scale using structured historical data including battle records, political reforms, territorial expansion, cultural impact, and institutional longevity. Balash holds a numerical advantage with a total composite score of 48 compared to Commodus's 45. However, raw scores alone do not capture the full historical picture — the detailed dimension-by-dimension breakdown reveals where each figure excelled and where they fell short relative to their historical context. Explore the full comparison below to see the complete score breakdown across all six dimensions, side-by-side event timelines, and detailed analysis of their respective historical contributions.
Rankings
🥇
BalashLeader
Mil: 53.0Pol: 40.9Inf: 57.5
48.6
🥈
Commodus
Mil: 39.5Pol: 33.5Inf: 61.7
45.4
+3.2 behind
How This Comparison Works
Algorithm
Each figure is scored on 6 dimensions (0—100 scale) based on structured historical data: Military (10%), Political (20%), Influence (20%), Legacy (20%), Leadership (15%), Strategy (15%). The weighted total produces the final ranking.
Data Sources
Scores are computed from structured sub-indicators in the database. Scale factors adjust for era (Ancient ×0.85, Modern ×1.0) and civilization size (Eastern ×1.05, Other ×0.80) to account for differences in population and military scale.
Maximum 3 Figures
Comparisons are limited to 2—3 figures to ensure readability and statistical meaningfulness.
Error Margins
±5 points per dimension — Sub-scores are derived from historical records with inherent uncertainty. Two figures within 5 points on a dimension should be considered roughly equivalent in that area.
Total Score Accuracy
±3 points overall — The weighted combination of 6 dimensions produces a total score with approximately ±3 points of uncertainty. Differences of less than 3 points are not statistically significant— the figures are effectively tied.
Known Limitations
- Historical records are incomplete and uneven across civilizations
- Figures from oral-tradition societies may be underrepresented
- Occupation labels can misclassify multi-role figures
- Scores measure capability and impact, not moral character
- Quantitative scoring is a comparison tool, not absolute truth
Capability Radar
Military (10%) — Battles & Warfare
Battles
10
10
Win Rate
10
10
Expansion
5
5
Political (20%) — Governance & Reform
Reform
25
5
Diplomacy
40
5
Economy
20
5
Influence (20%) — Cultural & Global Reach
Cultural
15
10
Global
10
10
Legacy (20%) — Historical Impact
Historical
20
20
Longevity
15
10
Leadership (15%) — Power & Stability
Tenure
30
40
Stability
35
5
Strategy (15%) — Tactics & Innovation
Strategy
10
5
Tactics
10
5
Reform
5
5
Balash — Complete Timeline
484 AD
Peace Treaty with ArmeniaPolitical Action◆ Major
Balash negotiated a peace treaty with the Armenian rebels, ending the conflict that began under his predecessor Peroz I. The treaty granted religious freedom to Christians in Armenia and restored Armenian autonomy, stabilizing the region.
Peace TreatyArmeniaReligious Freedom
Impact: regionalconstructive
Reconciliation with the NobilityPolitical Action
Balash reconciled with the powerful Sasanian nobility, who had been alienated by Peroz I's policies. He reduced taxes and restored privileges, temporarily stabilizing the internal politics of the empire after the disastrous Hephthalite war.
ReconciliationNobilityTax Reform
Impact: nationalconstructive
488 AD
Deposition by NoblesPolitical Action◆ Major
Balash was deposed by the Sasanian nobility after a short reign of about four years. The nobles installed his nephew Kavad I as king, reflecting the ongoing power struggles within the Sasanian court.
DepositionNobilityPower Struggle
Impact: nationaltragic
Commodus — Complete Timeline
180 AD
End of the Marcomannic WarsWar◆ Major
Commodus, upon becoming sole emperor, quickly made peace with the Marcomanni and Quadi tribes, abandoning his father Marcus Aurelius's plans to annex territory beyond the Danube. This decision was seen as a retreat from expansionist policy.
Peace TreatyDanube FrontierAbandonment
Impact: regional
190 AD
Renaming of Rome to Colonia CommodianaPolitical Action
Commodus renamed Rome as Colonia Commodiana, the Roman legions as Commodianae, and the months of the year after his own names. This megalomaniacal act further strained his relationship with the Senate and traditional institutions.
MegalomaniaRenamingEccentricity
Impact: nationaldestructive
192 AD
Assassination of CommodusPolitical Action
Commodus was strangled in his bath by the wrestler Narcissus, following a conspiracy involving his mistress Marcia and the praetorian prefect Laetus. His death ended the Nerva-Antonine dynasty and triggered the Year of the Five Emperors.
AssassinationEnd of DynastyCrisis
Impact: globaltragic
Gladiatorial Combat in the ArenaCultural◆ Major
Commodus fought as a gladiator in the Colosseum, killing animals and disabled opponents. He claimed to be the reincarnation of Hercules and demanded divine honors. This behavior alienated the Senate and military, contributing to his downfall.
GladiatorEccentricityDecadence
Impact: nationaldestructive
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