Introduction
Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire is a 2006 BBC One docudrama series, with each episode looking at a different key turning point in the history of the Roman Empire.
This docudrama focuses on the Latin western half of the Roman Empire.
Not to be confused with Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire (2008).
Outline
The First Jewish-Roman War begins when the Jews rise up against their corrupt governor, drive the Romans out of Judea and defeat a counter-attack at the Battle of Beth Horon. The future Emperor Titus is sent to recall his father Vespasian from exile in Greece to lead the legions against the rebels in Galilee. Josephus Ben Matityahu commands the resistance from the city of Jotapata, where many Jews take refuge from Vespasian’s campaign of terror. Vespasian leads a three-week Siege of Jotapata and Josephus is captured. Joesephus predicts that Titus is destined to be emperor.
Jerusalem prepares for a final stand under the fanatical Yohanan of Giscala, who murders the more moderate Hanan and unites the rebel factions. Back in Rome the Empire is thrown into chaos when Nero is overthrown and the army turns to Vespasian to be their new Emperor. Titus accomplishes the Siege of Jerusalem by cutting off the city with an encircling wall. Yohanan ignores Josephus’s pleas for surrender and leads subterranean attacks on Roman siege towers that undermine his own walls. Titus leads a bloody assault that massacres the rebels and razes the city.
Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire Series
You can find a full index and overview of Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire here.
Production & Filming Details
- Release Date: 05 October 2006.
- Rating: 12.
- Running Time: 60 minutes.
- Country: UK.
- Language: English.
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