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 Roman Empire is under barbarian assault from Huns and Vandals. Emperor Honorius’s chief general and adviser Flavius Stilicho has negotiated a treaty with the Goth leaders Alaric and Athaulf, but the Emperor has him executed for conspiracy. Honorius orders Olympius to slaughter all Barbarian families within the Empire and the survivors flee to Alaric’s camp. The Goths sweep through Italy to set siege to Rome, trapping the Emperor’s sister Galla Placidia within. Senator Attalus rides to the Imperial capital at Ravenna and Honorius agrees to the Goths’ demands.
The Goths withdraw but Honorius breaks the agreement, sending reinforcements to Rome that Athaulf intercepts and eliminates. Alaric speaks directly to the Senate and they elect Attalus as Emperor, but Honorius has Rome’s grain supplies cut off and Attalus loses authority. Alaric travels to meet Honorius at Ravenna but is ambushed by his old rival Roman General Sarus, who is beaten into retreat. Alaric finally takes Rome, and captures Galla Placidia. Following Alaric’s death, Athaulf marries Galla Placidia and his people finally settle in Southern France.
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: 26 October 2006.
- Rating: 12.
- Running Time: 60 minutes.
- Country: UK.
- Language: English.
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