Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire

Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire is a six-part documentary series detailing the height of Ancient Rome and its eventual demise.

Retold through dramatic reconstructions, the Roman empire comes alive once again to share over 500 years of its history.

Episode 1: Caesar

Episode one takes a look at Julius Caesar’s rise to power in 46 BC. It follows his military conquests during the Gallic Wars and his eventual decision to return home and seize power from his old ally Pompey.

Under Caesar, Rome expanded its borders greatly and became a vast empire. An empire which would change history forever after.

Episode 2: Nero

The second episode explores the leadership of Emperor Nero from July AD 64 and onwards. During this time a fire lasting for six long days destroys most of the city.

With Nero at the helm of this leadership, a ravaged Rome is rebuild and essentially becomes more magnificent than ever before.

Episode 3: Rebellion

A great rebellion inside Roman borders is underfoot in 66 AD following the death of Nero.

A man named Josephus is leading a Jewish Revolt in Jerusalem, historically called the First Jewish–Roman War, and only General Vespasian has the strength and will to sort out the empire.

The Romans are uneasy – if this revolt comes to pass and succeeds it could spell the end of the Roman empire.

Episode 4: Revolution

Episode four continues with the buckling weight of a mega empire stretched thin by enemies at all borders and all while the Roman senate is experiencing heavy power struggles.

Following the young Roman emperor Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus in 132 BC we’ll see how the ancient empire of Rome was nearly brought down by deceit, treason and internal power struggles.

Episode 5: Constantine

Episode five explores the rule of Constantine the Great and how he ended the persecution of the Christians.

Having one God rather than many sparks outrage amongst citizens and senate members alike, creating a holy war against Constantine and his christians. A holy war which ends in blood and destruction with Constantine at the top at the Battle of Chrysopolis.

The following years sees a unification of the Roman empire under the one Christian God at the Council of Nicea.

Episode 6: The Fall of Rome

The sixth and last episode details the Fall of Rome, one of the greatest empires to ever have existed.

But as history would prove, gaining a useless emperor who’s bad decision making sculptures the empire, would eventually destroy the very foundations of Ancient Rome.

As the Huns, Goth and Vandal barbarians besiege and destroy the heart of Rome, and rebellions flair up all across the empire, little by little Ancient Rome becomes but a shell of its magnificent past.