Meet the Romans: Citizens of the Empire Season 1 Episode 1 All Roads Lead to Rome

Meet the Romans: Citizens of the Empire is a historical documentary series that tells the tale of the Roman Empire from the perspective of the everyday people who called it home. The show combines expert analysis from historians and archaeologists with dramatic reconstructions to bring the past to life.

Season one, episode one is titled "All Roads Lead to Rome" and explores the vast network of roads that crisscrossed the Roman Empire and connected its citizens to its bustling capital. The episode follows a number of different characters as they journey to Rome from across the empire, including a wealthy merchant, a soldier returning from a far-off campaign, and a farmer bringing his goods to market.

Through their eyes, we see the incredible variety of people, customs, and cultures that made up the Roman Empire. From the busy port of Ostia to the isolated mountains of Spain, the episode takes us on a journey through the many different landscapes and challenges that travelers would have faced on their way to the capital.

The show also delves into the history of the Roman road network itself, revealing how it was built by an army of engineers and slaves in order to facilitate trade, migration, and military conquest. We learn about the various types of roads - from the simple dirt tracks of the early republic to the complex system of paved highways that spanned the empire at its height - and see how crucial they were to the functioning of Roman society.

Throughout the episode, we also get glimpses into the lives of the people who lived along the roads themselves. We meet tavern keepers and innkeepers, who provided essential services to travelers; roadside prostitutes, who plied their trade to passing soldiers and merchants; and even bandits and highwaymen, who preyed on the unwary.

By the end of the episode, we have gained a deeper understanding of just how vital the Roman road network was to the functioning of the empire, and how it impacted the lives of everyone who lived within its borders. Through the various characters we have met along the way, we have also gained a richer appreciation for the diversity of people and experiences that made up Roman society.

Overall, "All Roads Lead to Rome" is a fascinating and informative introduction to Meet the Romans: Citizens of the Empire. It expertly weaves together history, archaeology, and drama to create a vivid portrait of life in ancient Rome, and leaves us eager to learn more.