Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire

7.5
20061h

Turning points in ancient Roman history and some of the Empire's greatest stories are brought to life in this drama documentary series.

Production

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Trailers & Videos

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BBC Ancient Rome The Rise and Fall of An Empire

Seasons

6 Episodes • Premiered 2006

Still image for Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire season 1 episode 1: Nero

1. Nero

5.0

Recounts how Nero charted his murderous reign and how he was finally overthrown.

Still image for Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire season 1 episode 2: Caesar

2. Caesar

5.0

Recounts how Julius Caesar succeeded in overthrowing a 500-year-old Republic.

Still image for Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire season 1 episode 3: Revolution

3. Revolution

5.0

132 BC. Tiberius Gracchus, with the final victory in Rome's 120 year long Punic Wars against Carthage, its greatest ever Mediterranean rival, brings him immense glory and the rich unseen wealth, but almost nothing trickles down to the destitute. The rich patricians yest removing the military threat of Carthage also removes the best control on them. He learns many veteran families lose everything, even their land, which is taken by the rich. Now he joins the army against a Hispanic tribe, the Numantines, which manages to encircle the 20,000 legionnaires and refuses to negotiate with consul Mancinus, but takes the word of Gracchus, for the sake of his father who concluded an honorable peace with them; the troops return, their families rejoice but the senate blames the commanders for a disgraceful surrender. Tiberius uses his popularity to stand for the office of popular tribune, hoping to counter Nasicas extremist line in the senate.

Still image for Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire season 1 episode 4: Rebellion

4. Rebellion

6.5

Recounts how the Jewish Revolt, which swept through Judea in AD66, was stopped by General Vespasian and his son Titus.

Still image for Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire season 1 episode 5: Constantine

5. Constantine

5.0

Recounts how the Emperor Constantine brought Christianity to the western world.

Still image for Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire season 1 episode 6: Fall of Rome

6. Fall of Rome

5.0

In AD 410, the Goth hordes sacked the city. This event symbolised Rome's collapse, but it should never have happened at all.

Cast

Photo of Alisdair Simpson

Alisdair Simpson

Narrator (voice)

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