Ep 3. Crossing the Rubicon

Eight Days That Made Rome is a television docudrama series that brings to life the most important moments in ancient Roman history. In season 1 episode 3, titled "Crossing the Rubicon," the viewer is taken on a journey to explore one of the most significant events in Roman history – Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon River in 49 BCE.

The episode begins with the political situation in Rome at the time. Julius Caesar, having won success in the Gaulic Wars, had returned to the capital to find himself at odds with the Senate and his fellow lawmakers. They believed that his ambition was a threat to the Republic, and they had ordered him to disband his army and return to Rome as a private citizen. Caesar was left with a difficult choice – comply and risk losing his popularity and power or defy the Senate and face the consequences.

With these tensions building, Caesar realized that he had to act. He made the bold decision to march his army across the Rubicon River, which marked the boundary between Italy and his province of Gaul. By doing so, he would be in direct violation of the Senate's orders and effectively declaring war on the Roman state.

As the episode progresses, we see the various hurdles that Caesar had to overcome in order to reach the Rubicon with his army. This was no small feat – the river was heavily guarded, and the Senate had stationed troops and fortified the bridge that crossed the river. It would take a delicate balance of strategy and determination for Caesar to successfully cross.

The show also explores the psychological aspects of Caesar's decision – the fear, doubt, and anxiety that would have plagued him in the lead up to the crossing. The viewer sees the emotional toll it takes on Caesar as he questions whether he has made the right choice and whether he can truly trust those around him.

As the climax of the episode approaches, the tension is palpable. The viewer sees the moment when Caesar makes the fateful decision to cross the Rubicon, and the scene is accompanied by dramatic recreations of the battle that ensued as Caesar's army met the resistance of the Senate and their allies.

Overall, "Crossing the Rubicon" is a compelling and dramatic episode in Eight Days That Made Rome. The show expertly weaves historical fact with dramatic recreation to bring the viewer into the heart of this pivotal moment in ancient history. Caesar's decision to cross the Rubicon has reverberated throughout history, and this episode does an excellent job of showcasing its significance and the complex political and personal factors that led to it. This is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in Roman history or just a love of high-quality historical drama.