Julius Caesar's ambition creates a colossal empire, and he gives his name to the rulers who succeed him. He has been a symbol of power and majesty for 2000 years.
The story of Augustus, who went from little-known statesman and relative of Julius Caesar to Roman emperor.
He is 17 when he takes the throne and, during his capricious 14-year rule, Nero almost brings the empire to ruin. He is unable to quell rebellions and has many political enemies killed.
Hadrian overturns centuries-old policies, declaring an end to expansions and abandoning far-flung territories. He is an enthusiastic patron of the arts, a champion of the common Roman, and a tireless diplomat who tours the entire empire.
An exploration of how Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity and unified a Roman world deep in crisis.
He lived more than 500 years after Caesar and ruled from Constantinople, not Rome, but Justinian restored the empire to its former glory one last time.
Brian Cox
Narrator
Phil Grabsky
Director
Peter Nicholson
