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This series examines the strange idiosyncrasies of ancient peoples, and delivers fresh insights into who they were and the nature of their societies.

Ascent of Civilization

Historian Mary Beard addresses questions that have fascinated people for centuries. How did a small city, Rome, acquire an empire? Why did it fall?

Exploring the latest archaeological evidence, Mary Beard reveals what went on behind closed doors and in public baths 2,000 years ago.

Nero's opulent house, the largest building on Earth at the time, was a place of violence, perversion, and the high arts of the Roman Empire.

The ancient Phoenicians invented both the alphabet and modern navigation, and introduced wine to Europe. Yet they disappeared into oblivion.

Caligula was the first Roman emperor to be assassinated. In this film, historian Mary Beard paints a portrait of the monster and the man.

Monty Python's Terry Jones peers into the lives of ancient Romans, including the quirkier achievements of the impressive and expansive Roman Empire.

General, dictator, politician. In life, he shaped the Roman world we know today. Now let's go on a mission to reveal the real Julius Caesar.