10 Movies and TV Shows If You Think About Roman Empire Too Often
It's time to witness the rise and fall of the Roman Empire with your own eyes.
Ancient Rome is a civilization that influenced the development of culture, philosophy and politics, so it is not surprising that a huge number of projects have been created on this topic. It is also not really surprising that in 2023, the Roman Empire has become a meme…
Just so that the meme could be somewhat educational, we have recalled several historical movies and TV shows so you can watch projects about the Roman Empire while you think about the Roman Empire.
1. Rome, 2005-2007
According to critics, Rome is one of the best historical shows, and that is exactly what we need.
The series chronicles the transformation of Rome from a republic to an autocratic empire. Civil war breaks out after the Optimates, led by Pompey the Great, oppose Julius Caesar. The fall of the Republic is shown not only from the point of view of Caesar and his political allies and opponents, but also from the point of view of ordinary Romans.
2. Plebs, 2013-2019
Projects about ancient Rome can't all be serious and, let's face it, pompous.
In this show, three desperate young men from the provinces try to climb the social ladder, while not forgetting to have fun and enjoy life. Best friends Marcus and Stylax and their lazy slave Grumio live in ancient Rome and try to cope with the everyday problems of the lower classes.
3. Spartacus: Blood and Sand, 2010-2013
The decision that it's better to tell the story of Spartacus in a show than in a full-length movie was more than correct. This epic will definitely impress those who loved history lessons the most at school.
The plot, as you have already guessed, needs no detailed description. It revolves around the story of the legendary Thracian Spartacus, whose fate was destined to be known to the whole world.
4. Gladiator, 2000
While you're waiting for the sequel, it's time to re-watch the original Ridley Scott movie, or watch it for the first time if you've been living in the woods all this time.
The aging Emperor Marcus Aurelius decides to make his heir the loyal commander General Maximus, who has won a great victory in the battle against the Germanic tribes. The emperor's son Commodus kills his father and orders the execution of Maximus and his family.
5. Pompeii, 2014
The director of the spectacular disaster movie, Paul W. S. Anderson, offers a glimpse into the last hours of the ancient city, buried overnight under volcanic ash and rocks.
The son of a Celtic chieftain from Britannia falls into the hands of the Romans and becomes a slave in Londinium. After 17 years, Milo is transported to Pompeii. On the way, he meets a high-born aristocrat, and a romantic feeling flares up between them.
6. The Eagle, 2011
The script of the movie is based on the novel by Rosemary Sutcliff, which was written after the standard of the Roman legion – a wingless eagle – was found during excavations in the town of Silchester.
The author combined this relic with the story of the mysterious fate of the Ninth Legion of the regular Roman army, which disappeared on the territory of modern Scotland.
7. Caligula, 1979
O tempora! O mores! That’s what Cicero said about the conspirator Catiline, but the popular phrase can also be applied to another ancient Roman – Emperor Caligula.
Known for his cruelty, debauchery, and lust for power, Caligula fights for the throne with his grandfather, Tiberius, and wins. But Caligula himself faces a fate far from enviable.
8. Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar, 1999
Ancient Rome is alive in people's minds not only through peplums and tragedies – the French decided to mock the Roman conquerors in a popular comedy franchise.
The main characters, the Gauls Asterix and Obelix, along with their fellow countrymen, are in no hurry to pay taxes to the Romans. In fact, the Gauls prepare a magic drink that gives them enormous strength, so they are not afraid of foreigners.
9. Barbarians, 2020-…
It is a bloody epic about the Germanic revolt against the Romans in 9 AD. And it will certainly appeal to those who grew up loving books about the Roman Empire, military campaigns, and freedom-loving heroes.
Arminius returns from Rome to his native Germania to help his adoptive father maintain order in the region. His loyalty to Rome is called into question when Ariminius witnesses the atrocities of Roman soldiers against his people.
10. I, Claudius, 1976
The elderly Roman Emperor Claudius is writing a memoir of the Roman Empire during his reign. A lame stutterer, Claudius appears simple-minded and naive to others, but in fact he has a sharp mind and is determined to return Rome to a republican form of government.