The second of Turney’s series, The Damned Emperors, focuses on Commodus, the errant son of Marcus Aurelius, best known for his appearance as villain in the film, Gladiator. The ancient sources depict Commodus as essentially feckless, more interested in fighting in the arena than in ruling an empire. His reign is seen as a turning point in Roman history with the age of the ‘Good emperors’ over and the decline about to begin. This novel follows the patchy historical record quite closely: Commodus is fixated with the arena; he does neglect his duties as ruler; he does entrust the empire to an unworthy subordinate; he does subsequently introduce a reign of terror, culminating in his death and removal from the historical record. But we are invited to consider Turney’s Commodus with some sympathy. He is a damaged young man, having suffered loss in childhood, subject to depression and lacking a sense of self-worth. This is despite his physical beauty, his precocious intelligence and his desire to achieve world peace. I was not convinced. I am afraid this Commodus seemed to be just as the ancients portrayed him, selfish and spoilt, undeserving of power, too ready to submit his rule to unworthy and corrupt men. A good story though.