The History of Rome

Marcus Aurelius was destined to become Emperor, but his insistence that Lucius Verus share the honor came as a surprise to everyone.  

After some initial setbacks, Marcus sent Lucius east to deal with a suddenly critical war with Parthia in 162.

The Romans fought a series of campaigns against a coalition of German tribes from 167-175. They were on the verge of total victory when news arrived of a rebellion in the east.

In 175 Avidius Cassius led a brief revolt in the east that forced Marcus to postpone his final triumph along the Danube. 

Marcus elevated Commodus to the position of co-Emperor and then died a few years later while campaigning in the north.

The reign of Commodus turned on a botched assassination attempt orchestrated by his sister in 182 AD.

Commodus went off the deep end around 190 AD and was finally killed by his inner circle in 192.

After Commodus was assassinated, Pertinax reigned for 86 days. He was murdered by the Praetorian Guard in March 193 and the Imperial throne was auctioned off the highest bidder.

After buying the Imperial throne, Didius Julianus only remained in power for 66 days before being ousted by Septimius Severus.

Septimius Severus became the undisputed Emperor of Rome after defeating Pescennius Niger in 194 and Clodius Albinus in 197.