Anthony Riches – författare

Once more the Roman Empire has been torn apart by a war of imperial succession.Following the Year of the Five Emperors, three are left in the field. A final bloody confrontation between two of them is inevitable as the ruthless Septimius Severus advances through Cappadocia and Cilicia on the heels of the retreating legions of the Emperor in the East, Percennius Niger.Co-opted into Severus's legions are two veterans who had, after long service, longed for peace. Gauis Rutilius Scaurus, restored to legion commander, and his client, the Tribune Marcus Laticlavius Aquila. Unknown to all but a few, Marcus is an Emperor killer. Perhaps this fate beckons him again.As Niger retreats towards the impregnable fortress of Antioch, thus threatening to extend the conflict for years, it falls to these two men to plan a series of daring raids to delay the enemy.But it is not long before they are cornered on a climactic field of blood where one or other of the Imperial pretenders must be annihilated.

Pre-order the first book in bestseller Anthony Riches's brand new series, Swords of Troy, coming July 2026Discover the iconic, bestselling Empire series today, beloved by readers around the world'Totally, utterly enthralling' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Riches is just as good as Bernard Cornwell' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'A breathtaking saga' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'In Roman military fiction, Riches is at the top of the pyramid' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'Fresh, unpredictable, fascinating and exciting' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review MEET MARCUS VALERIUS, THE LEGENDARY HERO.'A master of the genre' The TimesMarcus Valerius Aquila has scarcely landed in Britannia when he has to run for his life - condemned to dishonourable death by power-crazed emperor Commodus.The plan is to take a new name, serve in an obscure regiment on Hadrian's Wall and lie low until he can hope for justice.Then a rebel army sweeps down from the wastes north of the Wall, and Marcus has to prove he's hard enough to lead a century in the front line of a brutal, violent war.Thrilling, authentic and action-packed, Wounds of Honour launched the incredible EMPIRE series, and catapulted Anthony Riches to the very top of the historical adventure genre.

Pre-order the first book in bestseller Anthony Riches's brand new series, Swords of Troy, coming July 2026A brutal, expertly researched novel, beloved by readers around the world, that captures the real Roman Army as you've never seen it before . . .'Second to none' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'As good as Simon Scarrow' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'You can't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'The way Anthony Riches describes the battle scenes is second to none' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'A first class author' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader reviewTHE BATTLE IS OVER. THE WAR BEGINS.'This is fast-paced, gripping, 'read-through-the-night' fiction' Conn IgguldenHaving barely survived the Battle of the Lost Eagle, Marcus Aquila seeks his vengeance against the murderous rebel chieftain, Calgus.But as his cohort is sent reinforcements, Marcus is quickly surrounded by men whom he cannot trust - men who could betray his secret to the ruthlessly vengeful emperor Commodus.With the enemy closing in, Marcus and his untrained cohort suddenly face a battle on two fronts. From outside and, more terrifyingly, from within . . .Meticulously researched, brutally captured and utterly unputdownable, Arrows of Fury continues the bestselling EMPIRE series, securing Anthony Riches as a master of the historical adventure genre.

Pre-order the first book in bestseller Anthony Riches's brand new series, Swords of Troy, coming July 2026 A action-packed, historically detailed story of vengeance, from a master of the genre'Impressive to an astounding extent' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Impossible to put down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'A fascinating story: authentic, action-packed and full of humour' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'The bone crunching, blood letting and all our fury of ancient warfare is brought vividly to life' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Totally enthralling' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader reviewTHE ROMAN ARMY HAS VANQUISHED THE REBEL TRIBES' ALLIANCE IN NORTH BRITANNIA.THE SURVIVORS LIE IN WAIT, PLOTTING REVENGE . . .'A damn fine read' Ben KaneBut the new Roman leader will not let them rest. He forms an audacious plan to capture the Selgovaes' fortress of spears, and return it to the hands of a trusted ally.Marcus Aquila - burning for revenge on an enemy army that slaughtered one of his best friends - is part of the select group of infantry chosen to go north and take the fort before the rebel army can reach it.But he is just a few days ahead of two of the emperor's agents, sent from Rome to kill him. Pitiless assassins who will stop at nothing to silence him, one and for all.A pulse-pounding adventure from one of the biggest names in historical adventure fiction, to delight fans of Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow and Conn Iggulden.

Marcus Aquila and his allies spearhead a daring attack into enemy territory, as three generals claim to be the true Roman Emperor.A new civil war has begun: with the emperor Pertinax's murder Marcus and his protector Scaurus have escaped Rome, seeking sanctuary for their familia in the East.But they are soon pressed back into service by Septimus Severus, the ruthless commander who has seized the imperial capital and who holds the military balance of power over his two rivals.Niger, the would-be emperor in the East, is on the march with six legions, and Scaurus's legion is ordered to Thrace as a sacrificial advance guard, tasked with delaying them. Whatever the cost . . .

Marcus Aquila and his allies spearhead a daring attack into enemy territory, as three generals claim to be the true Roman Emperor.A new civil war has begun: with the emperor Pertinax's murder Marcus and his protector Scaurus have escaped Rome, seeking sanctuary for their familia in the East.But they are soon pressed back into service by Septimus Severus, the ruthless commander who has seized the imperial capital and who holds the military balance of power over his two rivals.Niger, the would-be emperor in the East, is on the march with six legions, and Scaurus's legion is ordered to Thrace as a sacrificial advance guard, tasked with delaying them. Whatever the cost . . .

Two emperors - one must fallMarcus Aquila and his patron Rutlius Scaurus have fought a superior enemy force to a standstill in Thracia, gaining the favour of the gods but paying a grievous cost in their family's blood.Battle-weary and mourning their losses, they are tasked with rooting out a spy ring operating in the lands into which their imperial master Severus's armies are advancing.Hunting down informers operating under the skilled and ruthless command of their sworn enemy Sartorius, spymaster to the usurper Niger, will not be easy. But the potential to turn his intelligence network, and thereby deceive and distract the enemy, might land a war-winning blow on the army of the east. The quest to find and subvert their foes' informers will place the two friends at great risk, with torture and death the price of any mistake. While success will put them in the front rank of a bitter battle against battle hardened legions, hungry for revenge, in a bloody struggle to determine the fate of Asia's loyalty. And Scaurus is a man with a powerful threat still hanging over him, a curse imploring the gods to fell him at the very moment of his greatest victory.'A master of the genre' The Times

Marcus Aquila and his patron Rutlius Scaurus are tasked with rooting out a spy ring operating in the lands into which their imperial master Severus's armies are advancing.The quest to find and subvert their foes' informers will place the two friends at great risk, with torture and death the price of any mistake. While success will put them in the front rank against battle-hardened legions, hungry for revenge, in a bloody struggle to determine the fate of Asia's loyalty.-----'This is fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night" fiction, with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both.' Conn Iggulden on Empire'A master of the genre' The Times

**Pre-order Swords of Troy, the brand new epic series of myth and legend from Sunday Times bestseller Anthony Riches**A masterful novel of war, history and political intrigue, beloved by readers.'Vivid military action, inner circle intrigue and Dumas-style characters''A++++''[Riches is] head and shoulders above his contemporaries''Excellent historical adventure with a twist''I absolutely LOVE this series'ONCE MORE THE ROMAN EMPIRE HAS BEEN TORN APART BY A WAR OF IMPERIAL SUCCESSION.Following the Year of the Five Emperors, three are left in the field. A final bloody confrontation is inevitable as the ruthless Septimius Severus advances through Cappadocia and Cilicia on the heels of the retreating legions of the Emperor in the East, Percennius Niger.Co-opted into Severus's legions are two veterans who, after long service, now crave peace: Gaius Rutilius Scaurus, restored to legion commander, and his client, the tribune Marcus Valerius Aquila. Unknown to all but a few, Marcus is an emperor killer. Perhaps this fate beckons him again...As Niger retreats towards the impregnable fortress of Antioch, thus threatening to extend the conflict for years to come, it falls to these two men to plan a series of daring raids to delay the enemy.But it is not long before they are cornered on a climactic field of blood. And on this sanguine soil, one of the imperial pretenders must be annihilated.

THE GREATEST CONFLICT IN OUR SHARED HISTORY.'A brilliant retelling of the epic legend from an historical novelist at the top of his game!' SIMON SCARROW, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author'I missed my stop reading chapter three. This feels effortless, weightless. Wonderful' CONN IGGULDEN, #1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author'A fresh and original recreation of the Trojan War, fast paced with exciting and visceral action sequences' HARRY SIDEBOTTOM, Sunday Times bestselling author'A gripping ancient historical epic from an author who goes from strength to strength' GERAINT JONES, #1 Sunday Times bestsellerFROM AMONGST THE RANKS OF LEGENDARY HEROES, A NEW ONE WILL RISE.For Leonteus, bastard son of the former king of Argos, the hegemon of his half-brother King Diomedes' bodyguard is what he has trained for his entire life.But the stability of the land of the Achaeans is suddenly rent in two by the abduction of King Menelaus's queen, Helen, by a prince of Troy.Agamemnon, Menelaus's brother, calls on all the foremost men who, as Helen's suitors, swore allegiance to defend the man who won her hand a decade before. Honourable Diomedes answers that summons.The hundred-thousand-man army of the Achaeans sail for war amidst ill-fated omens, destined either to reduce Troy's great walls to rubble, or die far from home in the pursuit of gold and glory.And Leonteus, brother of a warrior king, comrade to the wily Odysseus, peerless but troubled Achilles and the grasping, self-centred Agamemnon, will find himself at the heart of the deadliest war ever fought.From Sunday Times bestseller and legend of historical adventure Anthony Riches comes a sensational new vision of the Trojan War.

THE GREATEST CONFLICT IN OUR SHARED HISTORY.'A brilliant retelling of the epic legend from an historical novelist at the top of his game!' SIMON SCARROW, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author'I missed my stop reading chapter three. This feels effortless, weightless. Wonderful' CONN IGGULDEN, #1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author'A fresh and original recreation of the Trojan War, fast paced with exciting and visceral action sequences' HARRY SIDEBOTTOM, Sunday Times bestselling author'A gripping ancient historical epic from an author who goes from strength to strength' GERAINT JONES, #1 Sunday Times bestseller 'Anthony Riches is a writer at the peak of his power. Swords of Troy is a superb retelling of one of history's greatest stories, a masterful combination of scholarship and storytelling' DOUGLAS JACKSON, bestselling author of The WallFROM AMONGST THE RANKS OF LEGENDARY HEROES, A NEW ONE WILL RISE.For Leonteus, bastard son of the former king of Argos, the hegemon of his half-brother King Diomedes' bodyguard is what he has trained for his entire life.But the stability of the land of the Achaeans is suddenly rent in two by the abduction of King Menelaus's queen, Helen, by a prince of Troy.Agamemnon, Menelaus's brother, calls on all the foremost men who, as Helen's suitors, swore allegiance to defend the man who won her hand a decade before. Honourable Diomedes answers that summons.The hundred-thousand-man army of the Achaeans sail for war amidst ill-fated omens, destined either to reduce Troy's great walls to rubble, or die far from home in the pursuit of gold and glory.And Leonteus, brother of a warrior king, comrade to the wily Odysseus, peerless but troubled Achilles and the grasping, self-centred Agamemnon, will find himself at the heart of the deadliest war ever fought.From Sunday Times bestseller and legend of historical adventure Anthony Riches comes a sensational new vision of the Trojan War.

Pre-order the first book in bestseller Anthony Riches's brand new series, Swords of Troy, coming July 2026Britannia has been subdued - and an epic new chapter in Marcus Valerius Aquila's life is about to begin.'Another superb read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review'A worthy addition to an iconic series' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review'Fourth in number, first in preference!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review'Completely enthralling' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review'I just can't put this wonderful series down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reader review 'This is fast-paced, gripping, 'read-through-the-night' fiction' Conn IgguldenThe murderous Roman agents who nearly captured Marcus Aquila have been defeated. But to protect his saviours, Marcus must lead his men far away, from Hadrian's Wall to the Tungrians' original home in Germania Inferior.There he finds a very different world from the turbulent British frontier - one with its own dangers. Tungrorum, a city brought low by the plague that has swept through the empire, is now threatened by an outbreak of violent robbery. The criminals are led by the bandit chieftain Obduro, his true identity unknown. Obduro's sword - sharper, stronger and more deadly than any known to the Roman army - is the lethal symbol of his unstoppable power. But now he has moved beyond mere theft and his avarice threatens to destabilize the whole northern frontier of the empire . . .

Pre-order the first book in bestseller Anthony Riches's brand new series, Swords of Troy, coming July 2026Marcus Aquila's epic, brutal adventure continues . . .'A brilliant read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Try them, you won't be disappointed' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'A 'must-finish' book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'A cracking read and a real page-turner' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'On par with Simon Scarrow' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader reviewFRESH FROM BATTLE, MARCUS AQUILA AND THE TUNGRIANS ARE GIVEN THEIR MOST DANGEROUS MISSION YET . . .'A master of the genre' The TimesAfter their recent victory in Germania, Marcus Aquila and the Tungrians are sent to Dacia to safeguard a crucial imperial asset.The mines of Alburnus Major contain enough gold to pave the way to Rome. And with vast riches come great enemies.Whilst trying to hold off marauding Sarmatians, Marcus and his cohort must contend with a series of shocking betrayals. But nothing can prepare them for the threat posed by a new and unexpected enemy.A gripping new instalment from one of the biggest names in the genre, this is 'read-through-the-night fiction' (Conn Iggulden).

Pre-order the first book in bestseller Anthony Riches's brand new series, Swords of Troy, coming July 2026Strap in for the most nailbiting chapter of Marcus Aquila's story so far'What a cracker' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'His finest work yet' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Simply couldn't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'As good as Bernard Cornwell or Simon Scarrow' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Perhaps the best in the series so far' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review IT'S TIME TO TAKE WHAT'S YOURS.'A master of the genre' The TimesThe Fang: An impregnable fort perched high atop a mountain, surrounded by an impassable swamp. Current home of the stolen eagle standard.Recently returned to Hadrian's Wall, Marcus Aquila and the Tungrian cohorts are asked to do the impossible: infiltrate the Fang and recover the venerated idol of the Sixth Legion.But when the mission goes awry, they find themselves alone, far from home, and surrounded by the enemy . . .Bracing from the very first page, bestseller Anthony Riches takes us on his most breakneck instalment yet.

Pre-order the first book in bestseller Anthony Riches's brand new series, Swords of Troy, coming July 2026 Brilliantly researched and packed full of action, bestseller Anthony Riches takes the reader to the heart of Ancient Rome'Get this book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Great storytelling with a thoroughly researched historical background' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Anthony Riches doesn't disappoint' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'I could not recommend this book enough' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'Thoroughly entertaining and well written' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader reviewMARCUS AQUILA RETURNS TO ROME, TO HUNT THE MEN WHO DESTROYED HIS FAMILY.'Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both' Conn IgguldenDetermined to wreak vengeance on the shadowy cabal of assassins who butchered his family, Marcus Aquila arrives in Rome to face them on their own ground.But he could not have foreseen what awaits him - a Machiavellian senator, a praetorian officer and the head of a brutal gang all want their pound of flesh.And also lying in wait is Mortiferum - the Death Bringer - a champion gladiator whose knives cry out for blood . . .Acutely researched political intrigue meets visceral action in this unputdownable novel from bestseller Anthony Riches.

Pre-order the first book in bestseller Anthony Riches's brand new series, Swords of Troy, coming July 2026Marcus Aquila reunites with his Tungrian legion in this epic instalment in the bestselling EMPIRE series'Another first class outing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'A thoroughly enjoyable read . . . Highly recommended' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'As gripping and exciting as all the others in this series' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'This series goes from strength to strength and this is the best yet' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'I could not put this book down!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader reviewROME IS NO LONGER SAFE.'A damn fine read' Ben Kane Marcus Aquila and the Tungrians are ordered east, to the desolate borderlands where Rome and Parthia have spent centuries vying for supremacy.Ordered on a seemingly impossible mission to relieve the siege of an isolated fortress, Marcus and his cohorts must turn the disaffected Third Legion into a fighting force.Because the terrifying Parthian cataphracts draw near, bringing with them the Thunder of the Gods . . .Vividly bringing to life a famously dangerous force, Anthony Riches cements his place as one of the greatest voices in the historical adventure genre.

The ninth novel in the thrilling Empire sequence leads Centurion Marcus Aquila and the Tungrians to the battlefield that was one of Rome's most disastrous defeats. The Tungrians have no sooner returned to Rome than they find themselves tasked with a very different mission to their desperate exploits in Parthia. Ordered to cross the river Rhenus into barbarian Germany and capture a tribal priestess who may be the most dangerous person on the empire's northern border, they are soon subject to the machinations of an old enemy who will stop at nothing to sabotage their plans before they have even set foot on the river's eastern bank. But after their Roman enemy is neutralised they face a challenge greater still. With two of the Bructeri tribe's greatest treasures in their hands they must regain Roman territory by crossing the unforgiving wilderness that was the graveyard of Roman imperial strategy two hundred years before. And capture by the Bructeri's vengeful chieftain and his warband can only end in one way - a horrific sacrificial death on the tribe's altar of blood.

'A master of the genre' The TimesThe Tungrians have no sooner returned to Rome than they find themselves tasked with a very different mission to their desperate exploits in Parthia. Ordered to cross the river Rhenus into barbarian Germany and capture a tribal priestess who may be the most dangerous person on the empire's northern border, they are soon subject to the machinations of an old enemy who will stop at nothing to sabotage their plans before they have even set foot on the river's eastern bank. But after their Roman enemy is neutralised they face a challenge greater still. With two of the Bructeri tribe's greatest treasures in their hands they must regain Roman territory by crossing the unforgiving wilderness that was the graveyard of Roman imperial strategy two hundred years before. And capture by the Bructeri's vengeful chieftain and his warband can only end in one way - a horrific sacrificial death on the tribe's altar of blood.

With his compelling Centurions trilogy complete, Anthony Riches returns to his bestselling Empire sequence of novels with his storytelling skills polished to perfection. Set in the second century AD, The Scorpion's Strike continues the story of Marcus Aquila's fight for justice for a family ripped asunder by imperial assassins. Still seeking revenge, Marcus finds himself thrown back into the heart of the chaos that is shaking the Roman Empire to its roots.Fresh from their close escape from imperial betrayal in the German forest, Marcus and the Tungrians are ordered to Gaul, where an outlaw called Maturnus is wreaking havoc. Havoc that may be more than mere banditry, as deserters and freed slaves flock to his cause: rebellion is in the air for the first time in a generation. And if escape from Rome's memories is a relief for the young centurion, he soon discovers that danger has followed him west to Gaul. The expedition is led by Praetorians whom he has every cause to hate. And to fear, if they should discover who he really is.'A masterclass in military historical fiction' Sunday Express on Retribution

AD 69: The Rhine frontier has exploded into bloody rebellion, and four centurions who once fought in the same army find themselves on opposite sides of a vicious insurrection.The rebel leader Kivilaz and his Batavi rebels have humbled the Romans in a battle they should have won. The legions must now defend their northern stronghold, the Old Camp, from the enraged tribes of Germany, knowing that they cannot be relieved until the civil war raging to the south has been resolved. Can they defend the undermanned fortress against thousands of barbarian warriors intoxicated by a charismatic priestess's vision of victory?

The author of the bestselling Empire sequence continues his new trilogy: the epic story of the uprising of the Batavi in AD 69.'A master of the genre' - The TimesAD 69: The Rhine frontier has exploded into bloody rebellion, and four centurions who once fought in the same army find themselves on opposite sides of a vicious insurrection.The rebel leader Kivilaz and his Batavi rebels have humbled the Romans in a battle they should have won. The legions must now defend their northern stronghold, the Old Camp, from the enraged tribes of Germany, knowing that they cannot be relieved until the civil war raging to the south has been resolved. Can they defend the undermanned fortress against thousands of barbarian warriors intoxicated by a charismatic priestess's vision of victory?

The action-filled climax of the epic story of the Batavi uprising in AD 69, from the author of the bestselling Empire series. **NOW FEATURING AN ADDITIONAL SHORT STORY**'A masterclass in military historical fiction' - Sunday ExpressVictory is in sight for Kivilaz and his Batavi army. The Roman army clings desperately to its remaining fortresses along the Rhine, its legions riven by dissent and mutiny, and once-loyal allies of Rome are beginning to imagine the unimaginable: freedom from the rulers who have dominated them since the time of Caesar. The four centurions - two Batavi and two Roman, men who were once comrades in arms - must find their destiny in a maze of loyalties and threats, as the blood tide of war ebbs and flows across Germania and Gaul. For Rome does not give up its territory lightly. And a new emperor knows that he cannot tolerate any threat to his undisputed power. It can only be a matter of time before Vespasian sends his legions north to exact the empire's retribution.

After saving the emperor's life in Rome, Marcus and his comrades have been sent across the sea to the wealthy, corrupt Greek metropolis of Aegyptus, Alexandria. An unknown enemy has slaughtered the garrison of the Empire's last outpost before its border with the mysterious kingdom of Kush. Caravans can no longer reach the crucial Red Sea port of Berenike, from which the riches of the East flow towards Rome. The Emperor's most trusted and most devious adviser has ordered Marcus's commander Scaurus and his trusted officers to the south. With orders that are tantamount to a suicide mission, and with only one slim hope of success. Can a small force of highly trained legionaries restore the Empire's power in this remote desert no-man's-land, when faced by the fanatical army of Kush's iron-fisted ruler?

After saving the Empire's richest province from a foreign army, Marcus and the men who protect him have been in hiding. Their lives will be forfeit if they are seen in Rome. But times have changed. Marcus's protector, the patrician legion commander Scaurus, has been summoned home by his mentor, a powerful senator who has decided he must act to save the empire from its debauched ruler's reign of terror. Rome is a hotbed of conspiracy and treachery: and the senator is not the only contender for power. The emperor himself plans to destroy those he mistrusts and no-one is safe.Marcus is assigned his own, unique role in the conspiracy. He will become a gladiator once more. But this time, his only opponent will be Commodus himself . . .

After saving the Empire's richest province from a foreign army, Marcus and the men who protect him have been in hiding. Their lives will be forfeit if they are seen in Rome. But times have changed. Marcus's protector, the patrician legion commander Scaurus, has been summoned home by his mentor, a powerful senator who has decided he must act to save the empire from its debauched ruler's reign of terror. Rome is a hotbed of conspiracy and treachery: and the senator is not the only contender for power. The emperor himself plans to destroy those he mistrusts and no-one is safe.Marcus is assigned his own, unique role in the conspiracy. He will become a gladiator once more. But this time, his only opponent will be Commodus himself . . .