Eight Days that Made Rome
Award-winning historian Bettany Hughes is on a mission that will take her across Italy's ancient sites and into the psyches of the emperors, gladiators, and generals of the Roman Empire. Explore the rise and fall of one of history's most extraordinary reigns, defined by eight critical days. From the defeat of the Carthaginian Empire to Julius Caesar's crossing the Rubicon River to Constantine's conversion to Christianity, explore this remarkable period and meet its key figures.
On TV
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- Friday
- 2:00pm
Jun 28Hannibal's Last Stand
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Episode Guide
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The Rebirth of Rome
Revisit the day in 337 A.D. when Constantine the Great was baptized.
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The Colosseum's Grand Opening
The story of the Colosseum's blood-soaked debut.
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The Downfall of Nero
See how the day that brought an end to Nero's notorious reign ushered in an age of civil war.
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Boudica's Revenge
Discover the story of Queen Boudica, from the flogging she received to the revolt she led.
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Rome's First Emperor
Witness the moment when Octavian made his devastating final move on his archrival Mark Antony.
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Crossing the Rubicon
Follow Julius Caesar and his army across the Rubicon River and into a civil war that would change Rome forever.
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The Spartacus Revolt
Revisit the day Spartacus broke out of gladiator school and destabilized the Roman Republic.
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Hannibal's Last Stand
Revisit the seminal day in history when Rome defeated the might of Carthage and its legendary General Hannibal.