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Colosseum
Colosseum Episodes
Series 1: 8. The Pagan
By the 4th century AD, a divided Roman Empire is rocked by devastating earthquakes, fires, barbarian invasions and deep religious divides. As Rome declines, the Colosseum, which ...
06-09-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 7. Commodus
All Roman rulers put great value on spectacles and games, but only one, the son of Marcus Aurelius, steps out of the Imperial Box and onto the sands of the arena. As Emperor Com ...
06-09-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 6. The Scientist
One of the most famous scientists of the ancient world, Galen of Pergamon, makes a name for himself as a doctor for gladiators in the arena. Just as the empire reaches the heigh ...
30-08-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 5. The Martyr
The public execution of criminals is a staple in the Colosseum, but during Trajan’s games, one of these victims is no common prisoner. Bishop Ignatius of Antioch is part o ...
30-08-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 4. The Gladiatrix
When the Emperor Trajan stages his great games of AD107, the crowd is treated to a rare spectacle – female gladiators. A Roman named Mevia illustrates the challenges of li ...
23-08-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 3. The Beastmaster
Over a million animals are slaughtered on the sands of the arena by trained beastmasters, none more famous than Carpophorus. But when met with the unprecedented challenge of bat ...
23-08-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 2. The Builder
Although master builder Haterius constructs the Colosseum where Nero’s Golden House once stood, his work is far from over. Rome's new emperor, Domitian, tasks him with add ...
16-08-2023
BBC 4
Series 1: 1. The Gladiators
In AD80, the Colosseum is open for business. Roman emperor Titus plans 100 days of games to commemorate, including an epic battle to the death between gladiators Priscus and Verus.
16-08-2023
BBC 4