Commodus vs Menua

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.

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.

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.

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.

Menua led multiple campaigns against the Assyrian Empire, expanding Urartian territory into the upper Tigris region. He captured several fortresses and imposed tribute on local rulers, strengthening Urartu's position as a rival power.

Menua ordered the construction of a 72-kilometer-long irrigation canal from the Hrazdan River to the Van region. The canal, still partially in use today, supplied water to the capital Tushpa and surrounding farmlands, boosting agricultural productivity.

Menua built the fortress of Menuahinili (modern K