When Rome Ruled

Watch When Rome Ruled

  • 2014
  • 1 Season
  • 7.5  (48)

When Rome Ruled is a fascinating docudrama series produced by National Geographic that takes us through the rise and fall of one of the world's greatest empires: the Roman Empire. With the help of expert historians, archaeologists, and researchers, the show provides us with an insightful look into the lives of the ancient Romans and the events that shaped their civilization.

The show is divided into six episodes, each of which explores a different aspect of Roman life and culture. The first episode, "Order From Chaos," focuses on the early days of the Roman Republic, when the city was ruled by senators and governed by a system of laws. The second episode, "Years of Eruption," examines the conflicts and crises that threatened to tear the young republic apart, including the Second Punic War and the rise of Julius Caesar.

In the third episode, "Years of Trial," we see how the Roman Empire was transformed under the leadership of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. This period marked a turning point in Roman history, as the city began to expand its borders and establish itself as a dominant military power. The fourth episode, "The Wrath of the Gods," delves into the rise of Christianity and the eventual decline of the Roman Empire. We see how religion played a vital role in shaping the culture and politics of Rome, and how the spread of Christianity led to a fundamental shift in the Roman way of life.

The fifth episode, "Secrets of the Gladiators," takes us behind the scenes of Rome's most famous sporting event - the gladiatorial games. We learn about the training and preparation required to become a successful gladiator, and the ways in which the games were used to maintain social order and keep the population entertained. Finally, in the sixth and final episode, "Kings of Kings," we witness the fall of the Roman Empire, as the city was overrun by barbarian invaders and the Western Roman Empire collapsed.

The show's stellar cast of actors, including Bray Poor, Peter Banks, and Steven J.R. Ellis, bring the stories and events of ancient Rome to life. With their impressive performances, they help us to understand the motivations and desires of the people who lived during this fascinating period of history. Additionally, the show's use of stunning re-enactments, computer-generated graphics, and historical artifacts help to transport us back in time and see the world through the eyes of the ancient Romans.

What sets When Rome Ruled apart from other historical docudramas is its commitment to accuracy and detail. Each episode is carefully researched and grounded in historical fact, and the show's team of experts and scholars provide insightful commentary on the events and characters portrayed. Whether you are a history buff or simply a fan of good storytelling, When Rome Ruled is a must-watch show that is sure to captivate and inform.

When Rome Ruled
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Seasons
Rise of Christianity
8. Rise of Christianity
July 18, 2011
NGC reveals how the Christians infiltrated, endured and overran Rome.
War Machine
7. War Machine
July 18, 2011
Though history remembers the names of emperors and generals, it was the ordinary men of the Roman military machine that kept the empire superior. They trained, fought and marched thousands of miles on roads that they built. Using ancient records and scientific research and recent archaeological finds, we'll trace their journey as invaders, peacekeepers and colonists from the furthest frontiers back
Ancient Superpower
6. Ancient Superpower
January 18, 2011
For 500 years, across 2 million square miles, Rome fought and were supreme. Today, experts are still baffled at how the Romans did it, but little by little they are discovering the secrets of the Romans success.
Birth of Rome
5. Birth of Rome
January 18, 2011
Rome was known as the largest empire with the mightiest military force and the most advanced civilization on earth. Although only traces remain of this city, and most of its ruins lie buried beneath modern streets, new discoveries and new ways of thinking are piecing the birth of the greatest city back together.
Killing Caesar
4. Killing Caesar
December 13, 2010
Follow Julius Caesars meteoric rise to power and his historic murder. His life was marked by tyranny and treachery, grand public gestures and secret double dealings, but his genius, ego and ambitions changed the course of the history of the Greco-Roman world.
Doomsday Pompeii
3. Doomsday Pompeii
December 13, 2010
When Mount Vesuvius erupted, 8 million tons of debris fell onto Pompeii and sealed the fate of more than a thousand people. But it also preserved and protected unlike anywhere else on earth. The rediscovered Pompeii gives us access to the ancient world. And now, with new findings and new insights, we can tell the story of the ordinary people caught up in this disaster.
The Real Caligula
2. The Real Caligula
December 12, 2010
He was demonized by ancient sources and portrayed throughout history as a cruel madman, but was Emperor Caligula really insane or just the product of a mad world? He inherited a vast empire, unimaginable wealth and the love of his people, but Caligulas reign descended into paranoia, depravity and full-blown insanity. Dramatic re-enactments and expert testimony from a forensic psychologist ask whether there could be a medical explanation behind this terrifying mind.
Secrets of the Gladiators
1. Secrets of the Gladiators
December 12, 2010
A stadium for 50,000. An architectural marvel 2000 years old. Here, stars were made. Lives were ended. Rome's glory was revealed but so was its ugly heart. From the archaeological evidence, and an eyewitness account we reconstruct when the Colosseum first opened its doors through beast fights, executions, and a legendary duel. It was glorious, brutal, ingenious, spectacular; terrifying. The Colosseum was Rome.
The Real Pompeii
0. The Real Pompeii
February 19, 2014
NGC reconstructs the final 48 hours of the doomed citizens of Pompeii from a new direction -- the underclass.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    February 19, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (48)