The Roman Empire is one of the most famous empires in history, which at one point was basically the world’s first superpower with how much of the world it encompassed. It has been a fascinating subject for many, as many concepts and inventions introduced by the Ancient Romans have become the basis for things that are still in use today.
As to be expected, there are plenty of films that feature various times and settings in the Roman Empire. But what about television? Well, as it turns out, there are plenty of those, too.These are the best TV shows about Ancient Rome, allowing viewers to witness the rise and fallof one of history’s greatest empires.
15’Those About to Die' (2024)
Directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpainter
Those About to Dieis a show that was very recently released and is based on a book byDaniel P. Mannix.The show is co-directed byRoland Emmerich, who is perhaps best known for his apocalyptic movies such asIndependence DayandThe Day After Tomorrow. The series takes place in the late First Century CE, during the construction of the famed Roman Colosseum. As this timeless monument is erected, a mother attempts to free her children from slavery, and from inevitably serving in gladiatorial combat in the arena.
The show received mixed reviews from critics overall but was much better received by audiences. It’s perfectly fine as it is, but could have done a lot more with what it was given. There have been some rumors of asecondThose Aboue to Dieseason, but as of right now, it is a bit too early to tell.Still, it’s great if you’re looking for another historical drama series to take a look at.
Those About To Die
14’Barbarians Rising' (2016)
Directed by Simon George, Declan O’Dwyer, and Maurice Sweeney
Barbarians Risingis a History Channel docudrama miniseries consisting of just four episodes. The story is framed through the eyes of Teutonic tribe leaders, who fought against the Roman-Germanic Wars, which began over 2,000 years ago, and persisted in an on-again off-again state for roughly six centuries. It’s similar tothe Netflix seriesBarbarians, only it’s a lot more informative and true to real life. Unfortunately, this also means it can be a bit dull at times.
Barbarians Risingis most certainly not a show for people looking for decent action, drama, or romance, but it has found its niche in history buffs. All of the actors in it play real historical figures, with memorable names likeSpartacus(Ben Batt),Hannibal(Nicholas Pinnock), andAttila the Hun(Emil Hostina) all coming to life on the small screen. These people all existed at various time periods, so it goes to show how far the series goes in terms of times and events covered.If you’re looking for genuine information rather than exhilarating action,Barbarians Risingis definitely for you.
Barbarians Rising
13’The Roman Holidays' (1972)
Created by Joseph Barbera and William Hanna
The Roman Holidaysis a Hanna-Barbera cartoon that never really took off. The short-lived series, consisting of just 13 episodes, was reminiscent ofThe FlintstonesorThe Jetsons, following animated family life in a fictionalized version of a specific time period other than our own. It’s not really clear why this show never lasted more than one season. People seemed to like it, but admittedly not as much as some of the other, more famous Hanna-Barbera cartoons.
The story is about the Holiday family living in First Century Rome, encountering modern life problems with a historical twist. It’s not the funniest show produced by the studio, but hey, if you’re a fan of classic cartoons, this is a bit of an underrated entry into the genre that definitely needs some more love.It’s actually really unique as far as animated comedies go, even if it isn’t the best thing in the world.
The Roman Holidays
12’A.D. The Bible Continues' (2015)
Created by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Taking place after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ,A.D. The Bible Continuescenters on the events of the Biblical book known as The Acts of the Apostles. Each of Jesus' Apostles who remained loyal to him are depicted continuing to spread the word of God after their Messiah’s death and ascension into Heaven, along with the persecution they face as a result of the occupying Roman Empire.
The show is acontinuation ofThe Bibleminiseriesand received mixed reviews from critics. If you’re a person of faith, however, this is a show that you will be sure to enjoy, but for those who aren’t, it can be safely skipped.The show was a hit with Christian audiences, who commended it for its portrayals of the apostlesand the oppression of the Roman Empire in the Holy Land.
A.D. The Bible Continues
11’Spartacus' (2010–2013)
Created by Steven S. DeKnight and Sam Raimi
Not to be confused with the 1960swords-and-sandals filmof the same name,Spartacusis a TV series starringAndy Whitfield(later replaced byLiam McIntyre) as the titular Thracian, a gladiator who leads a slave revolt against the Romans after being forced to compete in gladiatorial combat for the Romans' own personal pleasure.
The show doesn’t come anywhere close to the quality of the movie, but it does offer a more in-depth look atSpartacusand has some brilliant moments throughout. It is a show that is sure to be adored by any fans of Ancient Roman history and iseven enjoyable for those who are just looking for their next historical drama series to binge.
10’Romulus' (2020–2022)
Created by Matteo Rovere
Romulusis an Italian series that details the founding of Rome itself. Many are likely familiar with the mythological story about Romulus and Remus being raised by wolves and such, but this show is about the actual events, with most actors playing real historical figures that were instrumental in the founding of Rome. The showrunners really went above and beyond for this show–even though it’s Italian in origin, the actors all speak Archaic Latin, as their real-life counterparts would have. The fact that this is a dead language is even more impressive.
The film was a regional success, winning the Nastro d’Argento award, which is highly-esteemed in its home country of Italy.Romulusis a show that, in two seasons, never had a chance to break into the mainstream, but honestly, it really deserves to, because it’sa great origin story that mixes the true parts of Rome’s foundations with some aspects of mythology, creating a truly unique experience for fans of Ancient Rome.
9’Eight Days That Made Rome' (2017)
Created by Bettany Hughes
Eight Days That Made Romeis created and hosted byBettany Hughes. Hughes is an award-winning historian, and takes audiences through some of the most important parts of Roman history in the form of an eight-part docudrama miniseries. Multiple centuries exploring, beginning in 202 BCE, and spanning all the way to 337 CE. Even though the series is created by a historian, there are still some minor inaccuracies, but hey, that’s kind of expected when it comes to television.
The episodes cover a variety of important moments in the Empire’s history, fromSpartacus' slave revolt to the First Emperor, to the death of the tyrannical EmperorNero.If one wants an educational series that gives a brief, summed-up version of Roman history, covering many of the major bases, this is a perfectly palatable series that is easy to follow and appreciate, with dramatic reconstructionsmixed with documentary elements.
Eight Days That Made Rome
8’Roman Empire' (2016–2019)
Directed by Richard Lopez and John Ealer
Roman Empireis a docudrama series about some of the most significant events to take place in the multi-century reign of the Romans. Part of the series is standard documentary fare: historians talk straight to the camera, informing audiences of the history behind some of these events, but the show is also interspersed with dramatized recreations of the happenings, which definitely serves to make it more interesting.
The first season is narrated by none other thanSean Bean, though he was later replaced bySteve Westfor the following three seasons.Roman Empireisn’t exactly an exciting series, but it is highly informative and is about the most accurate look appearance audiences could possibly ask for when it comes to depicting the fallen Empire. Backed up by historical evidence and professionals who have studied the Empire their entire lives,this is a series that viewers will be able to learn a lot from.
Roman Empire
7’Plebs' (2013–2018)
Created by Sam Leifer and Tom Basden
Plebsis a British sitcom about a group of plebeians, or “plebs,” living in the Roman Empire. These plebeians are of the lower class, similar to Medieval peasants, so obviously there’s no real glory or battle sequences in this one since that stuff was sort of left to soldiers and the ultra-wealthy. That said,Plebspresented an honest and comical look at lower-class life during the days of the Romans, as a group of friends attempt to run a tavern in a renovated public bathroom.
Plebslasted for six whole seasons, which is a lot more than most sitcoms get. It was also a sitcom with a unique twist—one that didn’t take place in the modern day and didn’t showcase any relevant real-world problems.Hilarious and different,Plebsis an underrated sitcomabout Ancient Romethat has never, ever gotten the attention that it deserves.
6’Domina' (2021–2023)
Created by Simon Burke
Dominais a historical drama series that offers a different perspective on the Roman Empire that isn’t commonly seen in movies or TV: that ofLivia Drusilla(Kasia Smutniak), who was the wife ofEmperor Augustus(Matthew McNulty). Augustus was the first Roman Emperor, and the adopted son ofJulius Caesarhimself.
Rather than being about war or the expanse of the Empire, the story is instead about Livia and Augustus' divorce, which caused a huge political scandal at the time. As expected, there are many other historical figures who appear in this show, and its primary focus is on drama and political intrigue rather than action. Despite this,Dominais still a show that offers an unseen perspective of the Roman Empire, and one that enthusiasts should absolutely check out.
