Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire - Season 1

When Roman generals Pompey and Crassus, lead their mighty legions of soldiers and mercenaries into the lands surrounding Italy.

It is 60 BC. Over-powerful generals and money corrupt the Roman Republic. The empire churns with civil war, and violence and murder run rampant.

As the Roman Empire expands its reach into what is now Germany, its legions are faced with ferocious Germanic tribesmen. In 9 AD, their chieftain Arminius, raised in Rome as a hostage of peace, uses his Roman military training to slaughter the Roman army.

It is 47 AD. The new emperor Claudius is considered by many to be the village idiot. He can only hang onto his throne by waging a spectacular conquest. He chooses Britannia, a legendary land which fascinates and inspires fear in the Romans.

Despite the Empire's successes, the extensive military campaigns begin to take their toll on Rome's finances. When Dacian tribes ravage Roman lands, the unpopular Emperor Domitian is forced to raise taxes. He has never been on the front lines himself.

It is 162AD. Marcus Aurelius inherits the empire at its peak. Peace and prosperity have reigned for a hundred years, and the imperial boundaries stretch from the Irish Sea.

In the beginning of the 3rd century, Rome is in crisis. Ravaged by civil war and foreign invasions it now faces an even greater challenge, the new religion of Christianity.

Near the end of the third century, civil war has torn the empire apart and left its borders vulnerable to barbarian invasion.

The civil wars of the third century are finally ended by Emperor Diocletian, who shares rule of the empire with three co-emperors. In the eastern court and army of this powerful emperor, a young Constantine receives the training of a future leader.