Empire Games

Watch Empire Games

  • 2018
  • 1 Season
  • 5.9  (366)

Empire Games is a Netflix original series that showcases some of the most incredible and dramatic moments in world history, showcasing how ancient civilizations, rebel leaders, and powerful warriors have fought for glory and power. Hosted by Jim O'Brien, this documentary-style show recounts the stories of legendary rulers, empires, and conflicts that have shaped human civilization over the centuries.

The show's first season comprises eight episodes, each lasting about 45 minutes, and each of the episodes illustrates the rise and fall of a particular empire or civilization. The series begins by exploring the glory of the Greeks and their amazing cultural and military achievements. It moves on to chart the rise of the Ancient Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Carthaginians, and the Romans.

Jim O'Brien is a prominent sports journalist, and he adds his passion for history and knack for storytelling to each episode's narrative. Except for the impressive compilation of archive footage and CGI mapping that gives viewers an immersive impression of ancient cultures' splendor, Jim explains every historical moment in a conversational tone, making it easy for the viewer to follow.

From recounting the military might of the Assyrians, with tales of the burning of rival cities and the terrorization of enemies, to explaining the impressive achievements of the Classical Greeks, Empire Games takes viewers on a journey into some of the most magnificent empires' historical moments. The show's first episode sets the tone by exploring the Peloponnesian Wars, where Athens and Sparta both attempted to become the supreme power in Greece. The viewer will witness the strategies of Sparta's ground forces against Athens and the innovative Athenian naval tactics, resulting in the complete destruction of Athens.

In later episodes, viewers will discover the rivalry between Persia and Greece, learn how the Carthaginian empire was conquered by the Roman Republic, and explore the great innovations that arose from the Roman period. Empire Games also manages to illustrate minor historical moments that sometimes get overlooked in other documentaries, like the Silk Road's impact on the Chinese Empire's thriving economy or the Mongol Empire's creation.

Another interesting nuance of the show is the emphasis it places on the human element. Empire Games portrays the historical figures as flawed, complex characters who sometimes made decisions that challenge our modern-day ethical standards. The episode about the rise and fall of the Aztec Empire, for instance, reveals the degree of human sacrifices Aztecs conducted. However, the show does not shy away from putting the Aztecs' conquests into context, explaining how vital human sacrifices were to their mythology and how they believed it serves to appease their gods and guarantee good harvests.

In summary, Empire Games is an exciting and engaging show that delves into the past's lessons and reveals the colorful stories behind the world's most ancient empires. Its combination of superb storytelling, audio-visual techniques, and relevant historical detail makes this series an excellent choice for documentary lovers and history buffs. Jim's and Caroline's dynamic narration provides a compelling explanation to the complexities of battle strategies, governance systems, and cultural norms that characterize the empires that once existed. Fabrizio's historical expertise further enriches the show's contents with background information and insights into the difference between cultural practices and traditions.

Empire Games is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on June 5, 2018.

Empire Games
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Seasons
The Aztecs: Clash Of Empires
6. The Aztecs: Clash Of Empires
July 20, 2018
Aztec kings rule through skillful alliances, marriage and murder. They build remarkable cities and their systems of education and religion flourish until strange invaders destroy their vibrant empire.
Brutality of Celts
5. Brutality of Celts
October 5, 2018
As Roman power encroaches northward through Europe, tribes of ferocious Celts unite under leaders such as Vercingetorix and Queen Boudica to resist.
Chinese Empire
4. Chinese Empire
October 5, 2018
Ruthless and obsessed with immortality, China's First Emperor unites warring states, builds the Great Wall and constructs a breathtaking royal tomb.
The Egyptians
3. The Egyptians
June 19, 2018
This series explores the greatest empires in a way that has never been fully investigated. Each episode highlights and exposes the political intrigue, personal vendettas, family mayhem, acts of vengeance and the ever-evolving tension, turmoil and chaos that shaped these civilisations and led to their destruction from within. Egypt reached the pinnacle of its power in the 14th century BCE, when the pyramids of Giza were already 1000 years old. The pharaoh Akhenaten ushered in a brutal period of religious violence by rejecting the old gods and imposing the worship of Aten. The conflict raged for decades as his wives and children fought for control of the Empire, the most famous casualty being the boy king Tutankhamun.
The Greeks
2. The Greeks
June 12, 2018
When Alexander the Great lay on his deathbed his companions asked to whom he wished to leave his kingdom. "To the strongest," was his reply. The passing of the great conqueror plunged the Greek Empire into 40 years of war as kings, generals and henchmen vied for ultimate power.
Rome: Born In Blood
1. Rome: Born In Blood
June 5, 2018
This series explores the greatest empires in a way that has never been fully investigated. Each episode highlights and exposes the political intrigue, personal vendettas, family mayhem, acts of vengeance and the ever-evolving tension, turmoil and chaos that shaped these civilisations and led to their destruction from within. Rome's first dynasty, founded by Julius Caesar, ruled the Empire for 100 years. From Caesar's murder on the floor of the Senate to the mad emperors Caligula and Nero, and the ruthless nymphomaniac Valeria Messalina, this chapter in the Roman Empire offers enough intrigue, betrayal, perversion and murder for an entire series.
Description
Where to Watch Empire Games
Empire Games is available for streaming on the Netflix website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Empire Games on demand at Netflix and Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    June 5, 2018
  • IMDB Rating
    5.9  (366)