In 80 AD Emperor Titus opens the Colosseum with 100 days of spectacular games, including one of the most famous gladiatorial matches in Rome's history. After forming a close bond in their training school, two gladiators must now fight to the death.

When master builder Haterius constructs the Colosseum from the ashes of Nero's Golden House, his work is far from over. New Emperor Domitian tasks him with adding in a complex network of underground tunnels: the hypogeum.

As the Roman Empire continues to expand, so does the diversity of exotic beasts brought back to entertain the Colosseum crowds. Over a million animals are slaughtered on the sands of the arena by trained beast masters.

The mighty Emperor Trajan throws his great games of 107 AD and the crowd is treated to a rare spectacle: female gladiators.

The public execution of criminals is a staple, but during Trajan's 123 days of games in 107 AD, one of these victims is no ordinary prisoner; Bishop Ignatius of Antioch is part of a growing underground religion threatening Roman traditions.

Galen of Pergamon makes a name for himself as a physician for gladiators in the arena; a devastating plague sweeps through the city and Galen catches the attention of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.