Setting the stage for Rome's transition from a republic to an empire; Octavian wins a civil war against Mark Antony; he soon achieves what Julius Caesar could not, which is one-man rule over Rome; delving into this major turning point in history.

Meeting Octavian, who becomes Rome's first emperor; he takes the title of Augustus; gaining control of the military; ruling Rome without inspiring his own assassination; how these are some of history's most astonishing feats.

Despite his achievements, Augustus fails in the key area of choosing a successor; after an almost comical series of events, he secures a male heir to take the throne; witnessing the debacle of Roman leadership under Tiberius and Caligula.

The succession after Caligula continues to be a problem for the Roman Empire; Claudius, though physically challenged, is a good administrator; Nero is depraved and self-aggrandizing, nearly bankrupting the empire; tracing the story of their rule.

A look at the rulers of the second century, including Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius; their stories; their approach to ruling; their achievements, which include Trajan's military conquests and Marcus Aurelius's philosophical meditations.