What god carried the caduceus?

The caduceus, a staff entwined by two serpents and often associated with commerce and negotiation, is most famously carried by Hermes in Greek mythology, who is the messenger god and also represents trade, merchants, and travel. The caduceus symbolizes his role as a guide and a protector of merchants and travelers, embodying the principles of communication and balance.

While Apollo is associated with various aspects such as music, prophecy, and healing, he is not typically linked with the caduceus. Asclepius, the god of medicine, is often associated with the Rod of Asclepius, which features a single snake wrapped around a staff and represents healing and medical knowledge; this is distinct from the dual-serpent caduceus. Zeus, the king of the gods, primarily wields thunderbolts and is not associated with the caduceus either.

Thus, Hermes is the correct answer as he is the one who is iconographically and symbolically linked with the caduceus in ancient Greek mythology.