TV series
How greed, violence and betrayal helped create and destroy the ancient world's great superpower.
Turning points in ancient Roman history and some of the Empire's greatest stories are brought to life in this drama documentary series.
Watch trailerAvailability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire premiered September 21, 2006. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Turning points in ancient Roman history and some of the Empire's greatest stories are brought to life in this drama documentary series.
Cast, crew and production details
Alisdair SimpsonNarrator (voice)
Michael SheenEmperor Nero
Geraldine JamesCornelia
Louise DelamereFausta
Lucy GaskellConstantia
Biliana PetrinskaCornelia
Sebastian ArmestoHonorius
Alex FernsMark Antony
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
BBCUnited KingdomWatch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.
Episode 1
Recounts how Nero charted his murderous reign and how he was finally overthrown.
Directed by Nick MurphyWritten by Nick MurphyGuest stars Michael Sheen, Catherine McCormack, James Wilby, Ben Pullen, Hugh Ross, Michael Maloney, David de Keyser, Trevor Cooper
Where to watch Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire
Episode 2
Recounts how Julius Caesar succeeded in overthrowing a 500-year-old Republic.
Directed by Nick GreenWritten by James Wood, Jeremy Hylton DaviesGuest stars Biliana Petrinska, Alex Ferns, John Shrapnel, Sean Pertwee, Simon Dutton, Karl Johnson, Mark Noble, Crispin Redman
Where to watch Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire
Episode 3
132 BC. Tiberius Gracchus, with the final victory in Rome's 120 year long Punic Wars against Carthage, its greatest ever Mediterranean rival, brings him immense glory and the rich unseen wealth, but almost nothing trickles down to the destitute. The rich patricians yest removing the military threat of Carthage also removes the best control on them. He learns many veteran families lose everything, even their land, which is taken by the rich. Now he joins the army against a Hispanic tribe, the Numantines, which manages to encircle the 20,000 legionnaires and refuses to negotiate with consul Mancinus, but takes the word of Gracchus, for the sake of his father who concluded an honorable peace with them; the troops return, their families rejoice but the senate blames the commanders for a disgraceful surrender. Tiberius uses his popularity to stand for the office of popular tribune, hoping to counter Nasicas extremist line in the senate.
Directed by Christopher SpencerWritten by Christopher SpencerGuest stars Geraldine James, James D'Arcy, Greg Hicks, David Hinton, Tom Bell, David Warner, Paul Brightwell, James Hillier
Where to watch Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire
Episode 4
Recounts how the Jewish Revolt, which swept through Judea in AD66, was stopped by General Vespasian and his son Titus.
Directed by Andrew GrieveWritten by Andrew GrieveGuest stars Peter Firth, Ed Stoppard, Jonathan Coy, Jonathan Hyde, Rod Hallett, Tom Espiner, Richard Harrington, Adam James
Where to watch Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire
Episode 5
Recounts how the Emperor Constantine brought Christianity to the western world.
Directed by Tim DunnWritten by Colin Heber-Percy, Lyall B. WatsonGuest stars Louise Delamere, Lucy Gaskell, David Threlfall, John Blakey, Charles Dale, Andrew Havill, Sophie Hunter, Danny Webb
Where to watch Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire
Episode 6
In AD 410, the Goth hordes sacked the city. This event symbolised Rome's collapse, but it should never have happened at all.
Directed by Arif NurmohamedWritten by James WoodGuest stars Sebastian Armesto, Pip Torrens, Alastair Mackenzie, Mark Lockyer, Natasha Barrero, Colin Heber-Percy, Philip Jackson, Karl Jenkinson
Where to watch Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an EmpireEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
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