Watch Empire Games

Empire Games is a Netflix original series that showcases some of the most incredible and dramatic moments in world history, showcasing how ancient civilizations, rebel leaders, and powerful warriors have fought for glory and power. Hosted by Jim O'Brien, this documentary-style show recounts the stories of legendary rulers, empires, and conflicts that have shaped human civilization over the centuries.

The show's first season comprises eight episodes, each lasting about 45 minutes, and each of the episodes illustrates the rise and fall of a particular empire or civilization. The series begins by exploring the glory of the Greeks and their amazing cultural and military achievements. It moves on to chart the rise of the Ancient Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Carthaginians, and the Romans.

Jim O'Brien is a prominent sports journalist, and he adds his passion for history and knack for storytelling to each episode's narrative. Except for the impressive compilation of archive footage and CGI mapping that gives viewers an immersive impression of ancient cultures' splendor, Jim explains every historical moment in a conversational tone, making it easy for the viewer to follow.

From recounting the military might of the Assyrians, with tales of the burning of rival cities and the terrorization of enemies, to explaining the impressive achievements of the Classical Greeks, Empire Games takes viewers on a journey into some of the most magnificent empires' historical moments. The show's first episode sets the tone by exploring the Peloponnesian Wars, where Athens and Sparta both attempted to become the supreme power in Greece. The viewer will witness the strategies of Sparta's ground forces against Athens and the innovative Athenian naval tactics, resulting in the complete destruction of Athens.

In later episodes, viewers will discover the rivalry between Persia and Greece, learn how the Carthaginian empire was conquered by the Roman Republic, and explore the great innovations that arose from the Roman period. Empire Games also manages to illustrate minor historical moments that sometimes get overlooked in other documentaries, like the Silk Road's impact on the Chinese Empire's thriving economy or the Mongol Empire's creation.

Another interesting nuance of the show is the emphasis it places on the human element. Empire Games portrays the historical figures as flawed, complex characters who sometimes made decisions that challenge our modern-day ethical standards. The episode about the rise and fall of the Aztec Empire, for instance, reveals the degree of human sacrifices Aztecs conducted. However, the show does not shy away from putting the Aztecs' conquests into context, explaining how vital human sacrifices were to their mythology and how they believed it serves to appease their gods and guarantee good harvests.

In summary, Empire Games is an exciting and engaging show that delves into the past's lessons and reveals the colorful stories behind the world's most ancient empires. Its combination of superb storytelling, audio-visual techniques, and relevant historical detail makes this series an excellent choice for documentary lovers and history buffs. Jim's and Caroline's dynamic narration provides a compelling explanation to the complexities of battle strategies, governance systems, and cultural norms that characterize the empires that once existed. Fabrizio's historical expertise further enriches the show's contents with background information and insights into the difference between cultural practices and traditions.

Empire Games is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between October 5, 2018 and on Netflix