He shirked his duties and betrayed his friends
Emperor Marcus Aurelius passed away in Vindobona (modern-day Vienna) in March 180 AD while in charge of ongoing Roman operations on the Danube border. The historian Cassius Dio records that Marcus was dissatisfied with his son's education, but at least his efforts to secure a seamless succession were accomplished. It cannot be denied that his father presided over a reign marred by conflict, even though he is revered as the model of imperial control. Despite all of his other flaws, he lacked a drive for conflict. However, his motivations for pursuing peace seem to have been less than honorable. The emperor swiftly lost interest in carrying on his father's war. Commodus was equally unconcerned with the responsibilities of being an emperor. He just delegated control of the majority of his laws to someone else. When he became emperor, he delegated all of his responsibilities to a man named Perennis and then took command of the part that involved living like a king.
Cleander completed all of Commodus's tasks, although he received little compensation. When there was food scarcity in the nation, all of Rome revolted against him. To protect his head, the grain manager, a man by the name of Papirius Dionysius, placed everything on Cleander. Soon after, a vengeful mob set out to assassinate Cleander. Commodus allowed Cleander to temporarily hide in his fortress after he ran to him for assistance. However, Commodus listened to his favorite mistress in his harem, a lady by the name of Marcia, when she advised him to hand Cleander up to the mob.
He killed his pal after years of service. That's horrible, but he didn't stop there, he also killed Cleander. Cleander's head was placed on a spear by Commodus and given to the enraged throng. Then, in addition to his wife and kids, he ordered the execution of Cleander's acquaintances. He then ordered the youngsters' dismembered remains to be taken through Rome's streets, dumped into sewers, and allowed to fester to placate the audience.
