In 117 CE, the Roman Empire was at the height of its glory. Its domain stretched as far west as the Atlantic Ocean and as far north as what is now England. It extended as far east as places that are now in Iraq.
A group of leaders called the Five Good Emperors ruled from 96 to 180 CE. But the good times came to an end. In the 200s CE, the empire faced problems both inside and out. Enemies attacked the borders. Inside, clashes among leaders led to disorder, corruption, and civil war. The trouble began under the rule of the last of the Five Good Emperors, Marcus Aurelius. They continued under his son, Commodus. A period of civil wars followed. Leaders fought for power, with the winner becoming emperor. In the 49 years between 235 and 284 CE, more than 60 leaders held the title of emperor.
