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24. Echoes of Rome
January 4, 2019
In this final episode, consider the legacy of the Roman Empire, which influences us in innumerable ways, from our language to our legal codes. Because history is ultimately about people, Professor Aldrete closes with a few final voices to keep everyday Romans alive, and a reflection on what they might tell us today.
23. Late Antiquity: A New Historical Era
January 4, 2019
Traditionally, historians have viewed the years 200 to 600 as a time of collapse and stagnation, the end of Rome and the arrival of the
22. When and Why Did the Roman Empire Fall?
January 4, 2019
Generations of historians have struggled over - and disagreed about - the fundamental questions of when and why the Roman Empire fell. This episode critically evaluates a wide range of possible answers to these complex and enduring questions.
21. The Byzantine Empire
January 4, 2019
While the western half of the Roman Empire had clearly collapsed by the end of the 5th century, the eastern Romans in the Byzantine Empire flourished for another thousand years. Visit the world of Constantinople, meet fascinating figures such as Justinian and Theodora, and see what made the Byzantine Empire so successful.
20. Barbarians Overwhelm the Western Empire
January 4, 2019
Administration is only half the battle in maintaining a tremendous empire. You also have to defend the borders, and from the 3rd to the 5th centuries, Rome experienced an increasing wave of invasions by outsiders. Here, Professor Aldrete introduces you to the Huns, the Visigoths, the Vandals, and other invaders who penetrated Rome
19. The Roman Army
January 4, 2019
No survey of the Roman Empire would be complete without a detailed look at one of its most central institutions: the military. Take a look at the organization of Rome
18. Chariot Racing, Spectacles, and Theater
January 4, 2019
Although gladiators dominate Hollywood films, chariot racing was actually the most popular sport in the Roman Empire. Go inside the Circus Maximus and learn about the factions and teams of chariot racers. Then shift your attention to the world of the theater, where plays, mimes, and music entertained the masses.
17. Gladiators and Beast Hunts
January 4, 2019
Gladiators dominate today
16. Constantine and His Successors
January 4, 2019
Take a closer look at Constantine and explore his motivations for converting to Christianity. Learn about the Arian Controversy and the Council of Nicaea, which codified key aspects of Christian theology. Then see why Constantine founded a new capital city at Byzantium, and the state of the empire at the end of his life.
15. Early Christianity and the Rise of Constantine
January 4, 2019
Stability never lasted long in the Roman Empire. At the dawn of the 4th century, Christianity emerged as a major world force - made manifest by Constantine
14. Diocletian and Late 3rd-Century Reforms
January 4, 2019
Just when the Roman Empire seemed on the verge of collapse, a series of hard-headed, practical emperors managed to rescue it. Follow the astonishing story of how these men, led by the reformer Diocletian, drove back the barbarians and stabilized the faltering Empire.
13. The Crisis of the 3rd Century
January 4, 2019
The empire hit a low point with Elagabalus, who was arguably the worst Roman emperor of all - which is saying quite a lot. Then Rome teetered on the brink of total collapse due to a deadly combination of civil war, barbarian invasions, economic collapse, and natural disasters.
12. From Commodus to Caracalla
January 4, 2019
Marcus Aurelius may have been a wise philosopher, but he didn
11. Final Words: Burial and Tombstone Epitaphs
January 4, 2019
Continue your study of everyday Romans with a look at the epitaphs on their tombstones. While elaborate tombs were reserved for the very rich, people of all social classes had their thoughts and stories inscribed on tombstones. You will also explore how the Romans buried their dead.
10. The Ordinary Roman Speaks: Graffiti
January 4, 2019
The traditional understanding of Rome was based on accounts by upper-class males, who wrote the primary sources historians relied on for generations. More recent historians have looked at new sources to gain a fuller sense of the city
9. Roman Literature
January 4, 2019
Roman literature had its roots in Greek influences, but by the time of the Empire, Roman writers had come into their own. The works you will study include the fiery rhetoric of Cicero; the poetry of Horace and Ovid; and Virgil
8. Roman Art and Architecture
January 4, 2019
Two of the great legacies of the Roman Empire are its art and architecture. You will reflect on the Etruscan and Greek influences on Roman portraits and sculptures, see how Augustus used art as propaganda, and learn about some of the many architectural and engineering innovations - including the Pantheon and the aqueducts.
7. Hazards of Life in Ancient Rome: The Five Fs
January 4, 2019
You might think of Rome as a grand city filled with shining marble and peopled with decadent-toga-clad citizens. In reality, the city was a swampy, stinking, disease-ridden mess with filth in the streets and a fire nearly every night in one of its buildings. See what life would have been like for Rome
6. The Five Good Emperors
January 4, 2019
Round out your survey of the early Roman emperors with a look at the rulers of the 2nd century, including Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius. Get to know their stories; their approach to ruling; and their achievements, such as Trajan
5. The Flavian Emperors and Roman Bath Culture
January 4, 2019
Following Nero, a quick series of emperors took power, ultimately ending with Vespasian, the first in the line of Flavian family emperors. After reviewing the story of these emperors, their accomplishments, and their shortcomings, Professor Aldrete offers insight into Roman bath culture and what it meant for the city.
4. Claudius and Nero
January 4, 2019
The succession after Caligula continued to be a problem for the Roman Empire. Claudius, though physically challenged, was a good administrator. Nero, however, was depraved and self-aggrandizing, and nearly bankrupted the empire. Trace the strange, sad, and bloody story of their rule.
3. Tiberius and Caligula
January 4, 2019
Augustus may have been a tremendous emperor, but he failed in one key area: choosing a successor. After an almost comical series of events, he secured a male heir (a son of his wife
2. Part 2
January 1, 2003
In 42 BC Rome is in the middle of a civil war. Together with his friend Agrippa, the young Augustus goes to Spain in order to help Julius Caesar in his struggle against the troops of Pompey. Even though they are outnumbered, they manage to defeat Pompey. There, Augustus hears the news of Caesar's assassination and he returns to Rome with his friends.
1. Part 1
January 1, 1970
In 42 B.C. Rome is in the middle of a civil war. Together with his friend Agrippa, the young Augustus goes to Spain in order to help Julius Caesar in his struggle against the troops of Pompey. Even though they are outnumbered, they manage to defeat Pompey. There, Augustus hears the news of Caesar's assassination and he returns to Rome with his friends.
Description
Where to Watch Augustus: The First Emperor
Augustus: The First Emperor is available for streaming on the Multicom Entertainment Gour (MEG) website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Augustus: The First Emperor on demand at Prime Video and Amazon.
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CastPeter O'TooleCharlotte Rampling
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Channel
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Premiere DateJanuary 1, 1970
