Ep 9. Rome: HBO's Gritty Take on Ancient History

In this episode, the focus is on the television series Rome, produced by HBO. The show was praised for its depiction of Ancient Rome, with its focus on the political machinations, intrigue, and brutality that characterized the time period. The historian featured in this episode discusses the accuracy of the show's portrayal of various historical figures, such as Caesar, Pompey, and Cicero.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the show, which aired from 2005 to 2007, and set during the final years of the Roman Republic. The historian notes that while the show's focus is primarily on fictional characters, there are many historical figures who play a major role in the plot. These include Julius Caesar, who is portrayed as a charismatic and ambitious military leader, and his rival, Pompey, who is depicted as a more cautious and calculating politician.

One of the things that the historian praises about the show is its attention to detail. The show's creators went to great lengths to recreate the look and feel of Ancient Rome, from the costumes and sets to the language and customs. The historian notes that while the show is not historically accurate in every detail, it does a good job of capturing the spirit of the time period.

One of the major themes of the show is the struggle for power and the different ways in which individuals seek to gain and maintain it. This is exemplified in the character of Mark Antony, played by James Purefoy. Antony is a close ally of Caesar but also has his own ambitions for power. The historian notes that while the character of Antony is an amalgamation of several historical figures, the show does a good job of capturing his complex personality and his relationships with other characters.

Another major storyline in the show is the relationship between two fictional characters, Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus, who are soldiers in Caesar's army. The historian notes that while the relationship between these characters is not historically accurate, it does provide an interesting perspective on the lives of ordinary people in Ancient Rome. The historian also praises the performances of Ray Stevenson and Kevin McKidd, who play Pullo and Vorenus, respectively.

Throughout the episode, the historian provides fascinating insights into the historical context of the show and the ways in which the creators have adapted historical events and characters for dramatic effect. They also discuss the ways in which the show's depiction of Ancient Rome compares to other depictions in popular culture, such as films like Gladiator and television shows like Spartacus.

Overall, this episode of A Historian Goes to the Movies provides an engaging and informative look at one of the most acclaimed historical shows of recent years. Through their discussion of the show's accuracy and its approach to storytelling, the historian offers a deeper understanding of Ancient Rome and the enduring appeal of this fascinating time period.