These documentaries about Rome take you on a captivating journey through time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of one of history’s most iconic cities and civilizations.
As the eternal city, Rome stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of an empire that once spanned continents and shaped the course of Western civilization.
These documentaries about Rome offer a mix of historical information, archaeological discoveries, and expert analysis to paint a vivid picture of ancient Rome and its enduring legacy.
Best Documentaries About Rome
Join historians, archaeologists, and storytellers as they unravel the layers of Rome’s complex history, offering a glimpse into the heart of an empire.
Many of these documentaries about Rome focus on the city itself while others look at the city of Rome as well as the Roman Empire in general.
Meet the Romans With Mary Beard (2012)
Meet the Romans with Mary Beard” is a documentary series consisting of three episodes, and it was presented by Mary Beard, a prominent classicist and historian. Mary Beard takes you on a journey through ancient Rome, exploring various aspects of Roman life and society.
The episodes cover a range of topics, including daily life in ancient Rome, the city’s infrastructure, the role of slaves, the Roman army, and the political and social dynamics of the time.
Mary Beard, known for her engaging and accessible approach to history, provides insights into the daily lives of ordinary Romans and sheds light on the complexities of Roman society which makes this one of the best documentaries about Rome to watch.
Engineering an Empire: Rome (2005)
Engineering an Empire: Rome is part of the “Engineering an Empire” series, which explores the engineering and architectural achievements of various ancient civilizations. The series is known for its in-depth look at how these civilizations built some of the most iconic structures of their time.
In the case of “Engineering an Empire: Rome,” the documentary delves into the engineering marvels of ancient Rome, showcasing the construction techniques and architectural innovations that allowed the Roman Empire to become one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in history.
It covers various aspects of Roman engineering, including the construction of aqueducts, roads, bridges, and monumental structures like the Colosseum.
The documentary uses a combination of historical reenactments, computer-generated imagery (CGI), and expert interviews to bring the ancient Roman world to life and to illustrate the engineering prowess that played a crucial role in the success and longevity of the Roman Empire.
Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire (2008)
Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire is a documentary television series that consists of a set of 13 episodes, each focusing on a specific period or event in the history of ancient Rome.
The series covers the rise of Rome from its legendary foundation to its eventual fall, exploring key moments, battles, political developments, and the lives of significant figures. Each episode typically combines historical reenactments, expert interviews, and narration to provide an informative and engaging narrative of Rome’s history.
The series aims to capture the complexity and drama of the Roman Empire, covering important events such as the Punic Wars, the rise of Julius Caesar, the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, and the eventual decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire.
“Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire” offers you a comprehensive overview of the key factors and events that shaped the trajectory of one of the most influential civilizations in history.
Secrets of the Colosseum (2015)
Secrets of the Colosseum is a documentary that aired as part of the “Secrets” series produced by the Smithsonian Channel. The documentary explores the history, architecture, and mysteries surrounding the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is one of the most iconic and well-preserved ancient Roman structures. It was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty and was completed by his successor Titus in 80 AD.
The Colosseum was primarily used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts and mock sea battles.
“Secrets of the Colosseum” delves into the engineering and architectural marvels of the Colosseum, examining how the amphitheatre was constructed and used for various events. If you have any interest in the architecture of that time then this is one of the best documentaries about Rome for you to watch.
Rome’s Invisible City (2015)
Presented by Alexander Armstrong, “Rome’s Invisible City” takes you on a journey beneath the streets of Rome to uncover the secrets of ancient Roman engineering.
The documentary focuses on the subterranean structures and infrastructure that supported the city, showcasing the advanced engineering techniques employed by the ancient Romans.
If you are interested in archaeology, ancient history, or Roman engineering, “Rome’s Invisible City” provides a fascinating look at the hidden layers of one of the world’s most iconic historical cities.
The Roman Empire in the First Century (2001)
The Roman Empire in the First Century is a documentary series comprised of four episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD.
The episodes cover a range of topics, including the political and social structures of the Roman Empire, the lives of key historical figures, and the cultural and technological advancements of the time. The series uses a combination of historical reenactments, expert interviews, and narration to provide a comprehensive overview of the first century of the Roman Empire.
The series provides insights into the challenges, triumphs, and transformations that characterized the Roman Empire during this period.
Rome: Power and Glory (1999)
This documentary series, narrated by Peter Woodward, explores the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. It covers various aspects of Roman history, including its military campaigns, political intrigue, and architectural achievements.
This was and still is one of the best documentaries about Rome you can watch.
Tracks: The Ancient City Of Rome
The eternal city is more than 2,500 years old and Griff has just 24 hours to discover how Rome’s inhabitants live in the world’s biggest museum. In the process, he discovers where Julius Caesar gasped his last and takes lessons in traffic direction from the city’s most elegant policeman.
Roman Empire: Reign of Blood (2016-2019)
Roman Empire: Reign of Blood is a docudrama series that ran over 3 seasons. The series uses a combination of reenactments and commentary from historians to depict the historical events during Commodus’s, Julius Caesar’s, and Caligula’s rule.
Each season is dedicated to each of these important characters from that time.
Mary Beard’s Ultimate Rome: Empire Without Limit (2016)
We started with Mary Beard so we will finish with her as well. In this later series from the one mentioned at the beginning, she explores what made the Romans so special and how they managed to build such a large empire.
It also looks at the myths and legends about the beginning of Rome and eventually, what led to the collapse of the Roman Empire. This is one of the best documentaries about Rome to watch that goes into great detail about the Romans.
One extra…
Rome (2005)
This is an extra because it is not part of the “documentaries about Rome” but it is an excellent historical drama series which is mostly set in Rome. It’s one of the best shows you can watch about that time period in the city. It ran for two seasons, with a total of 22 episodes.
Rome is set during the time of Julius Caesar’s rise to power and the subsequent civil war that led to the end of the Roman Republic.
The series follows the lives of both historical and fictional characters, intertwining their stories with major historical events. Characters include historical figures like Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and Octavian (later known as Augustus), as well as fictional characters like Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, two Roman soldiers.
The show received critical acclaim for its production values, historical accuracy, and complex characters. It explores political intrigue, military campaigns, and the social dynamics of ancient Rome. While the series takes some liberties for dramatic effect, it generally adheres to historical events.
Rome
These documentaries about Rome weave a rich tapestry of narratives, unveiling the rise and fall of mighty emperors, the architectural marvels that still echo through the ages, and the daily lives of citizens who walked the cobbled streets of this ancient metropolis.
For more on Italy have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Italy.
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