Drama | History
Station:
Channel 5 (GB)
Status:
Ended
Start:
2017-10-27
Rating:
0/10 from 0 users
Eight Days That Made Rome is a docu-drama that leaves behind the conventional chronologies of Rome's thousand-year history and brings razor-sharp focus to eight days that created, tested and defined its greatness.Each programme works as a stand-alone, as strong in its own right as part of a series and reveals a Rome relevant to us today, with its noblest and darkest instincts still resonating in the world around us. On-screen presenter Bettany Hughes discovers the significance and resonance of these Eight Days along with us, the viewer, as she explores key sites in Rome's empire and meets expert witnesses on subjects ranging from psychopathy to ancient religion.
TV Show Ended.
S1E6 - The Downfall of Nero
On 9th June 68 AD, Nero, Emperor of Rome, took his own life with the help of a servant, as troops came to arrest him for crimes against the state. His death ended the empire's first dynasty and ushered in an age of anarchy and civil war. With the aid of evidence from across the Roman world, including Nero's Golden House, Bettany examines his reign, his character and his relationships with his mother Agrippina, the Senate and the Roman populace.
Air Date: 01 Dec 2017 15:00 (CDT)
S1E7 - Theatre of Death
Bettany Hughes explores the day in 80 AD when the Colosseum opened its gates for the first time. For new emperor Titus, the spectacular games and events were an opportunity to win over the people and secure his place on the imperial throne, but why did the Romans - cultured and civilised in so many ways - enjoy witnessing such brutality and bloodletting?
Air Date: 08 Dec 2017 15:00 (CDT)
S1E8 - The Rebirth of Rome
Bettany Hughes recalls the time that marked Rome's symbolic break with its 1,000-year pagan past - the day in 337 AD that Emperor Constantine the Great was baptised a Christian. It was a moment of profound significance not just for the empire, but for the history of the world and one of its major religions. Constantine was one of the last great Roman emperors to rule over a united empire, giving it a new capital - Constantinople, today known as Istanbul - a city which would one day eclipse Rome as the greatest city on Earth.
Air Date: 08 Dec 2017 16:00 (CDT)