The elevation of Hermmeticus to the highest office comes after a long and distinguished career. He was that rare breed of Roman aristocrat who seemed never to have wronged any of his colleagues, nor abused of his position with the people. The Senate, utterly convinced of his merits by his spotless record, voted for him unanimously.
At that time the Empire was at peace and Hermmeticus ' hands and mind were free to improve the finances of the Empire.
However, he also set himself up to the ask of cleansing the morals of the Roman people and made the terrible mistake to think that he could get away with cancelling the famed and popular fights of gladiators and other shows involving massacres of beasts and other Christians.
Instead, Hermmeticus tried to promote the arts, theatre, music, to compensate. In one word, he wanted to foster other entertainements in the heart of the people.
Instantly, the people started to complain and to mutter. They didn't care for all those Greek things! All they cared for was for the blood to be spilled in the Coliseum.
Hermmeticus then judged that as long as the huge Coliseum would cast its long shadow over Rome, all his efforts would be in vain and decided to have it razed to the ground.
As soon as the news spread that they were going to be deprived of their beloved circus, the people rebelled. In the ensuing mayhem, the Emperor was seized and thrown into the arena.
Quite surprisingly, for an educated man of his age, Hermmeticus survived half-a-dozen gladiators, two tigers, an ostrich, and three crocodiles.
He eventually succombed under the fury of a one-eyed elephant, under the acclaims of the delighted people.