Perennis, though ruthless and ambitious according to Dio Cassius, is not personally corrupt and generally administers the state well.

A detachment of soldiers from Britain (they had been drafted to Italy to suppress brigands) also denounces Perennis to the emperor in 185 as plotting to make his own son emperor (they had been enabled to do so by Cleander, who is seeking to dispose of his rival), and Commodus gives them permission to execute him as well as his wife and sons.

The fall of Perennis brings a new spate of executions: Aufidius Victorinus commits suicide.

Ulpius Marcellus is replaced as governor of Britain by Pertinax; brought to Rome and tried for treason, Marcellus narrowly escapes death.

In this year, Commodus takes the title of Felix (Fortunate).