Ep 3. Rome's Hidden Empire

Travel back to ancient Rome with Cities of the Underworld season 1 episode 3, titled Rome's Hidden Empire. This episode takes viewers deep beneath the ancient city streets of Rome to explore the forgotten tunnels, catacombs, and secret chambers that make up the city's hidden underworld.

Host Eric Geller begins the episode by tracing the history of Rome and its underground structures. He notes that while most people associate Rome with its iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the city has a rich hidden history that dates back thousands of years.

Geller then takes viewers on a tour of some of Rome's most compelling underground structures, beginning with the catacombs of San Sebastiano. These catacombs were used as underground burial chambers for early Christians and are filled with elaborate frescoes, sculptures, and inscriptions that tell the story of the early Christian church in Rome.

Next, Geller explores the ancient Roman aqueducts that still run beneath the streets of Rome. He notes that these aqueducts were essential to the functioning of the ancient city, providing clean water for Roman citizens and powering many of the city's fountains.

The episode also looks at the underground chambers and tunnels that were used by Rome's emperors for secret meetings and entertainment. These chambers, many of which are still intact, were decorated with lavish frescoes and mosaics and were used for everything from banquets to gladiatorial games.

One of the most fascinating segments of the episode explores the underground temple of Mithras, a popular cult in ancient Rome. This temple, which was discovered in the 1950s, featured a central altar where initiates would participate in secret rituals that were believed to guarantee the afterlife.

Throughout the episode, Geller's enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious. He clearly loves exploring the hidden corners of ancient Rome and is eager to share his discoveries with viewers. The show also benefits from stunning footage of the underground structures, which are captured in breathtaking detail.

Overall, Rome's Hidden Empire is a gripping and informative episode that illuminates the often-overlooked underground history of Rome. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the ancient world or urban exploration.