Bloody ambition, decadence and palace intrigue: Ancient Rome has always provided rich material for screenwriters. From the classic I, Claudius (1976) to Those About To Die (2024), television has returned to the Roman world time and again, with mixed results. Some series have become television landmarks, while others are remembered for the size of their budgets.
The sword-and-sandal epic dominated the big screen for decades before making its way to television. HBO led the charge in 2005 with Rome, an ambitious historical drama that achieved cult status despite being cancelled earlier than planned. Since then, streaming platforms have taken up the mantle. Here are five series well worth watching – though the squeamish should look away.
Rome: the definitive portrayal
Two series, 22 episodes, and a reputation as a modern classic. Broadcast on HBO between 2005 and 2007, Rome remains the most accomplished depiction of the ancient Roman world ever produced for television. Kevin McKidd and Ray Stevenson play the fictional soldiers Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, whose lives become entwined with those of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
Built at Cinecittà Studios for more than $100 million, the elaborate sets proved so expensive that the series was cancelled despite widespread critical acclaim. They were later reused for several productions, including Kaamelott. The cast also proved to be a remarkable breeding ground for Game of Thrones: Ciarán Hinds (Mance Rayder), Tobias Menzies (Edmure Tully) and Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand) all donned Roman togas before making their way to Westeros.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWSVSPaszJk
I, Claudius: the British pioneer
In 1976, the BBC adapted Robert Graves' novels with Derek Jacobi starring as the stammering, lame Emperor Claudius. The production ran for 12 episodes on a modest budget, but boasted a cast that would make any casting director envious: John Hurt as a deranged Caligula, and a young Patrick Stewart—complete with hair—years before Star Trek and X-Men.
The series was ranked 12th in the British Film Institute's list of the greatest British television programmes ever made.
Spartacus: blood and sweat
Spartacus (2010–2013) recounts the slave uprising led by the Thracian gladiator against the Roman Republic. Produced for American cable television, the series embraces graphic violence, stylised slow-motion sequences and a visual style that owes as much to video games as it does to traditional sword-and-sandal epics.
Andy Whitfield played the title role in the first series. After being diagnosed with cancer, he was forced to step down and was succeeded by Liam McIntyre, with Whitfield's blessing. The franchise continued with three series, a prequel (Gods of the Arena), and a sequel launched in 2024 (The House of Ashur).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ebfa2uyDjA
Domina: the female perspective
First released in 2021, Domina charts the rise of Livia Drusilla, Augustus' third wife and the most powerful woman in Rome.
Kasia Smutniak stars as the formidable political strategist alongside Liam Cunningham and Isabella Rossellini. Across two eight-episode series, also filmed at Cinecittà Studios, Domina explores the intrigues of the imperial court from the perspective of the women so often overlooked by history books.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyP3MmcReDE
Those About To Die: the latest gladiator epic
Never one to shy away from spectacle, Roland Emmerich swaps natural disasters for chariot races in Those About To Die (2024). Set behind the scenes of the Colosseum in AD 79, the series stars Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian.
Its ten episodes focus on the four factions that dominated the chariot races—the Blues, Reds, Whites and Greens—as well as the thousands of slaves who died to entertain the crowds. Spectacle takes precedence over subtlety, but a strong cast lends the production a measure of credibility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvf6IS48eik
Are you planning a trip to Ancient Rome? These articles will help you plan your stay:
- Rome: 5 must-see museums in the Italian capital
- In Italy, this Roman villa is one of Antiquity’s most extravagant — you wander among Egyptian statues, Greek porticoes and hanging gardens
- 5 archaeological sites to visit in Italy that will take you back in time
- Forget the Vatican, here are 5 little-known museums to discover in Rome away from the crowds