Ancient Rome: The Rise And Fall Of An Empire Season 1 Episode 5 Episode 5: Constantine

In Episode 5 of Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire, viewers follow the story of Constantine, one of the most famous and influential emperors in Roman history. The episode begins in the year 306 CE, when the death of Emperor Constantius Chlorus resulted in a power vacuum in the Roman Empire. Constantine, the son of Constantius and an ambitious general, saw an opportunity to seize power for himself.

The episode details Constantine's rise to power through a series of military campaigns and alliances, culminating in his victory over rival emperor Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE. It was during this battle that Constantine famously saw a vision of the cross and ordered his soldiers to paint it on their shields, ultimately leading to his conversion to Christianity and the eventual establishment of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire.

The episode also delves into Constantine's legacy, including his establishment of a new capital city in Constantinople, his significant reforms to the government and military, and the ongoing debate over whether he was truly a Christian or simply used religion as a political tool.

Throughout the episode, expert historians provide insights into the political and social landscape of ancient Rome at the time of Constantine, discussing the challenges he faced and the decisions he made that ultimately changed the course of history. The episode also features reenactments and stunning visuals, transporting viewers back in time to experience the drama and intrigue of life in ancient Rome.

Overall, Episode 5 of Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire provides a fascinating look into the life of one of the most important figures in Roman history and his lasting impact on both the empire and the world.