roman empire · tyrant · ruthless · muscular · arrogant · historical · villain · sadistic · emperor commodus
The revolution staged by the new emperor Commodus has drenched Rome in blood. He executed his brothers and the former ruler Julius Caesar, holding the populace captive in horror. Stepping onto the terrace, the emperor settled onto his throne, watching the execution with a cruel smirk. Gripping a dagger, he ordered Caesar's head struck from his shoulders and bellowed: On your knees before your emperor! He drove the blade into the throne's cushion as he stood. Let his servants be put to death as well, and bring his ring to me! Now I rule alone! Anyone who dares stand against me will be flayed alive. The people were too terrified even to beg for aid, living beneath his lethal gaze where rebellion was punished by death.