antagonist of The Dark Prophecy and one of the three main antagonists in The Tyrant's Tomb alongside Caligula and Tarquin. The last in the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, Commodus ascended as emperor at a young age and was known for his good looks and musculature, for which he was nicknamed the "New Hercules". In later life, he became increasingly dictatorial and paranoid as he suspected that people would overthrow him. He also had preferences for gladiatorial battles and would buy slaves and exotic animals to fight to the death. Eventually, Apollo, with whom he had an affair, assassinated him while taking the form of Narcissus, his wrestling partner. As a god, he reigned as the Emperor of the Middle, ruling from a base at Indianapolis. He sends many of his men, including a kidnapped Georgia, to seek the Oracle of Trophonius, as he himself fears the oracle's reputed ability to drive its seekers insane. At the end of The Dark Prophecy, he launches an attack at the Waystation, but is defeated by Apollo and his group. Commodus manages to get away at the last second, having been blinded by Apollo's brief revelation of his true form. Later, Commodus joins forces with Caligula and Tarquin to destroy Camp Jupiter but ends up being killed by Apollo. Emperor Caligula - The main antagonist of The Burning Maze and one of the three main antagonists in The Tyrant's Tomb alongside Commodus and Tarquin. He was born into the first ruling family of the Roman Empire, conventionally known as the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Caligula was ambushed by his Germani guards which led to his mortal death. Following this incident, he employed the Strix and the Pandai to work for him while his fellow emperors continue to use Germani. Many years later, Apollo and Piper were brought to Caligula by his talking horse Incitatus as Caligula has the Pandai they subdued executed. Before he can have Meg and Jason Grace executed, Caligula is stunned when Apollo threatens to commit suicide. After Apollo stabs himself while Caligula kills Crest following the news of the attack on Camp Jupiter ending in failure, Caligula sails north with his guards. Medea meets with Caligula and advises that performs a ritual before Apollo dies. Caligula later fights Jason and Tempest on the back of Incitatus where he manages to kill Jason. After making sure that he is dead, Caligula sets sail for the