Watch Ancient Rome: The Rise And Fall Of An Empire

Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire is a television series produced by the BBC in 2006. The show explores the history of the Roman Empire, from its rise to power and dominance in the Mediterranean world to its eventual collapse. The show is hosted by Lyall B. Watson, a philosopher, historian, and anthropologist who guides viewers through the various stages of Rome's development. Throughout the series, he provides insight into the political and social forces that shaped the empire and the factors that ultimately led to its downfall.

In addition to Watson's narration, the show features a number of actors who bring historical figures to life. Michael Sheen portrays Nero, the infamous emperor who famously fiddled while Rome burned. James D'Arcy portrays Augustus, the first emperor of Rome who ushered in a period of prosperity and stability.

The series uses a combination of dramatic reenactments, archival footage, and expert analysis to explore Rome's history. Each episode focuses on a particular period or event in Rome's development, including the Punic Wars, the assassination of Julius Caesar, and the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

The show also explores Rome's cultural and technological contributions to the world. For example, the series highlights the engineering genius of Roman architects and the artistic achievements of Roman sculptors and painters.

One of the strengths of the series is its attention to detail. The producers clearly did their homework, and the show is full of fascinating facts and anecdotes about Rome's history. For example, viewers will learn about the role of slavery in the Roman economy, the challenges of maintaining order in a vast empire, and the various religious beliefs of the Roman people.

The series is not afraid to tackle controversial topics or to explore the flaws and contradictions of the Roman Empire. For example, it examines the role of women in Roman society, the brutality of Roman gladiatorial games, and the corruption and decadence of the Roman elite.

Despite its historical focus, Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire is an engaging and accessible series that will appeal to a wide range of viewers. The show strikes a balance between entertainment and education, offering both drama and insight into one of the most important empires in world history. Whether you're a fan of historical documentaries or simply curious about the legacy of ancient Rome, this series is well worth watching.

Ancient Rome: The Rise And Fall Of An Empire is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between September 28, 2015 and on CuriosityStream