This engaging reading activity challenges students to investigate how Commodus transformed the Roman imperial office into a vehicle for personal spectacle, and why his obsession with self-glorification helped plunge Rome into political instability.
Using a clear, accessible historical article, students analyse how Commodus abandoned military leadership and administrative responsibility in favour of theatrical performances that claimed divine status. Through guided questions, they evaluate how these choices alienated the army, corrupted government, and ultimately led to his assassination and the chaos that followed.

What’s Included

• 1 structured reading worksheet based on the History Skills article on Commodus

20 student questions, including:

• Factual comprehension questions
• Cause-and-effect analysis
• Interpretation of historical actions and consequences
• Evaluation of leadership and political legitimacy
• Questions designed for written responses or discussion

Benefits for Teachers and Students

• Saves planning time with ready-to-use, curriculum-aligned questions
• Builds historical thinking skills: causation, consequence, and evaluation
• Encourages students to connect individual leadership choices to wider political outcomes
• Ideal for independent work, homework, or guided class analysis
• Supports clear written responses using historical evidence

Curriculum Fit

• Ancient History / Classical Civilisations
• Roman Empire and imperial leadership
• Power, authority, and political stability
• Works well with Australian Curriculum, GCSE, IGCSE, and similar world history courses

If you’re loking for a focused, high-quality activity that helps students understand how poor leadership can destabilise an empire, this worksheet is a ready-made solution. Download now and bring the reign of Commodus, and its consequences, to life in your classroom.