Ancient Rome
This section will feature a variety of documentaries on Ancient Rome, apart from documentaries on Cleopatra. Documentaries on Cleopatra will be featured in the Ancient Egyptian section.
Lost Legion's of Varus - YouTube (48:38)
Centuries of European conflict can be traced to one event: the Massacre of 3 Roman Legions in the Teutoburg Forest. The Germanic tribes had massacred the world's most advanced military. This event shocked Romans and allowed a rift to fester for centuries. This documentary explores the factors that lead to this massacre. It is an in-depth look at how Romanization had its flaws. *Recommended for use in a history classroom or research purposes.*
Caligula: Rome's Cruelest Emperor? - YouTube (58:56)
Mary Beard explores the story of Emperor Caligula. She starts with his origins and how he had a difficult childhood. Then she talks about how he became emperor. The common Roman saw him as a good emperor. However, there was an event that changed him and he would become the cruel Emperor that the people would remember. Was he cruel from birth or did his world make him cruel? *Recommended for a high school history classroom.*
Rome without Limits with Mary Beard - Episode 1 (58:34) Episode 2 (59:00) Episode 3 (58:59) Episode 4 (59:00)
Mary Beard explores the history of the Roman Empire beginning with the origin myths, the period of the republic, and the Empire. She explores the Roman Empire beyond Rome and travels to a variety of places that were a part of the Empire. She concludes the series with the question why did Rome fall? It is a fascinating dive into the Roman Empire. This documentary is a needed update to what available documentaries. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. If you do not have space for all the documentaries, then show clips.*
Meet the Romans with Mary Beard - VIDEO UNAVAILABLE
Mary Beard is back and this time she is introducing the world to the Romans. She explores the lives of everyday Romans. Both the living and the dead are explored, from the poorest to the richest. Beard seeks out the ordinary voices. They were determined that they would be remembered. Their tombstones did not just leave behind the birth and dates of the Roman, but their thoughts and feelings. How did ordinary Romans think? Tune into this documentary to find out. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. If you do not have space for all the documentaries, then show clips.*
Storm over Europe - Episode 1 (51:17) Episode 2 (50:35) Episode 3 (50:08) Episode 4 (50:19)
Barbarians were heading to Rome. What made these barbarians leave their homelands? They left behind beautiful objects in their wake. They were in the search of a new homeland because another tribe was threatening their lives and livelihoods. Eventually, Rome was sacked. These barbarians would be left to pick up the pieces Rome left behind. Who were these invaders? Why were they called barbarians? How did they shape European history? What did they leave behind? *Recommended for a middle school history classroom. Appropriate for independent study students.*
Ancient Rome - YouTube (52:29)
Ancient Rome held one million inhabitants at one point. No one city was richer, more powerful, or more ruthless than Roman. It was the center of the ancient world and had the buildings to prove it. Like modern Rome, the city was noisy back then, so ox carts could not drive through the city during the day. When the Roman Coliseum opened, a one-hundred-day celebration was held in honor of its opening. What was it about Rome that made it the glory of the ancient world? *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Ascent of Civilization Rome YouTube (50:55)
Rome was one of the greatest empires the world had ever seen. The Romans dominated much of Europe. They build infrastructure that could not be rivaled in the Ancient World. The Roman Empire was born on the shores of the Tiber. Few people would have settled in these mosquito-infested hills. However, the people would eventually take over the Italian Peninsula and then eventually most of Europe. At the height of its power, Rome dominated a quarter of the known world. So how did the Romans accomplish this feat? *Add to your "consider to show" list for a history class.*
The Germanic Tribes - YouTube (49:33)
The Germanic peoples terrified Rome and the stories of these tribes were passed down from generation to generation. They offered their gods’ human sacrifices. The women priestess could determine the fates of their tribes. They built small settlements in the wild. Eventually, these settlements grew up into kingdoms. They would lay the foundation of modern Europe. Who were the Germanic tribes? *Recommended as an alternative documentary for the section on Roman History.*
Boadicea: The Woman Who Humiliated Rome -YouTube (1:06:01)
Queen Boudicca was the queen of King Prasutagus. Together they were the leaders of the Iceni Tribe. When the Romans invaded Britain, King Prasutagus negotiated peace with Rome and became an ally of the Romans. It was after the King died, that trouble began. The Romans humiliated her, so Boudicca and the Iceni rose against them. She was the one woman who humiliated the Romans. So who was the historical Boudicca? *Only recommended to learn more about the Roman invasion of Britain.*
Colosseum - YouTube (1:28:18)
The Colosseum was Rome’s greatest monument. However, it is now under threat. A team of restorationists and historians come together to save the Colosseum. It was where heroes were made and then broken. Many came to witness the drama that took place within its wall. Beneath and grime, secrets are being revealed. What can this restoration tell us about the Colosseum? What will the restored Colosseum look like? *Highly recommended for a history and STEM classroom.*
The Limes - Episode 1 (43:01) Episode 2 (42:45)
Two thousand years ago, there was a heavily fortified border along stretches of Europe. They were known as the Limes and these were palisades, walls, and trenches. These were on lands that stretched across Germany. These were an attempt by the Roman Empire to keep the barbarians out. However, along these walls, villages would form, protected by the boundary and the Roman Legions. Using modern technology, archeologists, historians, and scientists are going to learn more about these posts. *Recommended for a history class, episode 2 recommended for a STEM class.*
Rise of Great Powers - Rome - YouTube (49:57)
Rome would rise from the ashes of defeat to create an Empire that would cover the Mediterranean world. After suffering a horrendous defeat at the hands of Hannibal Barca, Rome would go on the offensive and rise from that defeat. How would they rise from this horrible defeat? What was the secret behind the rise of Rome? In this episode, the secret behind the rise of Rome is revealed and it is Roman citizenship. Why would Rome employ citizenship to build an empire? *Recommended for a history classroom.*
The Greatest Race - Episode 1 (50:01) Episode 2 (50:13)
Young Scorpus was a former slave who would become one of the most famous characters in Ancient Roman History. He practiced his craft in the Circus Maximus and it was a racing stadium that held more than 150,000 spectators. Chariot racers were as popular as race car drivers. They were an important part of society and everyone identified with them. So who were the charioteers? How did they gain such popularity in Rome?
Journeys to the Ancient World
The Ancient Chariots of Libya - YouTube (50:22)
David Adams treks the Sahara Desert and follows the tracks of Ancient Rome’s “chariots of fire.” These were the first wheeled vehicles to cross the desert. Libya, although mostly desert, does occupy a large section of the Mediterranean Sea. He begins in Tripoli and goes deep into the heart of Libya. Adams then travels deep into the Sahara Desert. He ends his journey at the mountains that are on Libya’s borders. He is going on a journey of contrasts to learn more about Libya.
Pompeii
Pompeii: Life and Death - YouTube (58:42)
Pompeii: one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history. Mary Beard explores the story of Pompeii through the bones of its residents. The bones provide an interesting story of Pompeii’s residents. She uses the bones to shatter myths about Pompeii and tell Pompeii's story in a new way. She explores grand houses and the cisterns. This documentary is an update of the previous documentaries done on Pompeii. *Recommended for a high school classroom and independent study students.*
Vesuvius - YouTube (53:34)
The day Vesuvius erupted was an ordinary day for the citizens of Herculaneum and Pompeii. This documentary focuses on Herculaneum, the other city that was buried when Vesuvius erupted. For decades archeologists and scientists thought the people escaped. However, new evidence is emerging that demonstrates that is not the case. This is another fantastic updated documentary on Vesuvius. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Ancient Egyptian Secrets at Pompeii - YouTube (40:25)
Pompeii was an ancient city that was covered by Mount Vesuvius. It is a picture of what life was like in Ancient Rome. It was the most popular city in the Roman Empire. Its fame was known far and wide. How could Pompeii be influenced by Ancient Egyptians? Where can you find the Egyptian influence in Pompeii? This documentary explores the origins of Pompeii and how the Ancient Egyptians influenced the city. *Recommended to be put on your documentary list for high school history class.*
Eternal Pompeii - YouTube (52:39)
When Vesuvius exploded it buried the city of Pompeii. It was a shock to the Romans. How did the Romans react to this eruption? Would Pompeii be rebuilt? Pliny the Younger wrote about the eruption and his words came down to the present day. The sudden destruction of the city continues to intrigue people to the present day. Even today, there are discoveries and new stories are emerging about the destruction of Pompeii. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Centuries of European conflict can be traced to one event: the Massacre of 3 Roman Legions in the Teutoburg Forest. The Germanic tribes had massacred the world's most advanced military. This event shocked Romans and allowed a rift to fester for centuries. This documentary explores the factors that lead to this massacre. It is an in-depth look at how Romanization had its flaws. *Recommended for use in a history classroom or research purposes.*
Caligula: Rome's Cruelest Emperor? - YouTube (58:56)
Mary Beard explores the story of Emperor Caligula. She starts with his origins and how he had a difficult childhood. Then she talks about how he became emperor. The common Roman saw him as a good emperor. However, there was an event that changed him and he would become the cruel Emperor that the people would remember. Was he cruel from birth or did his world make him cruel? *Recommended for a high school history classroom.*
Rome without Limits with Mary Beard - Episode 1 (58:34) Episode 2 (59:00) Episode 3 (58:59) Episode 4 (59:00)
Mary Beard explores the history of the Roman Empire beginning with the origin myths, the period of the republic, and the Empire. She explores the Roman Empire beyond Rome and travels to a variety of places that were a part of the Empire. She concludes the series with the question why did Rome fall? It is a fascinating dive into the Roman Empire. This documentary is a needed update to what available documentaries. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. If you do not have space for all the documentaries, then show clips.*
Meet the Romans with Mary Beard - VIDEO UNAVAILABLE
Mary Beard is back and this time she is introducing the world to the Romans. She explores the lives of everyday Romans. Both the living and the dead are explored, from the poorest to the richest. Beard seeks out the ordinary voices. They were determined that they would be remembered. Their tombstones did not just leave behind the birth and dates of the Roman, but their thoughts and feelings. How did ordinary Romans think? Tune into this documentary to find out. *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school classroom. If you do not have space for all the documentaries, then show clips.*
Storm over Europe - Episode 1 (51:17) Episode 2 (50:35) Episode 3 (50:08) Episode 4 (50:19)
Barbarians were heading to Rome. What made these barbarians leave their homelands? They left behind beautiful objects in their wake. They were in the search of a new homeland because another tribe was threatening their lives and livelihoods. Eventually, Rome was sacked. These barbarians would be left to pick up the pieces Rome left behind. Who were these invaders? Why were they called barbarians? How did they shape European history? What did they leave behind? *Recommended for a middle school history classroom. Appropriate for independent study students.*
Ancient Rome - YouTube (52:29)
Ancient Rome held one million inhabitants at one point. No one city was richer, more powerful, or more ruthless than Roman. It was the center of the ancient world and had the buildings to prove it. Like modern Rome, the city was noisy back then, so ox carts could not drive through the city during the day. When the Roman Coliseum opened, a one-hundred-day celebration was held in honor of its opening. What was it about Rome that made it the glory of the ancient world? *Highly recommended for a middle school and high school history classroom.*
Ascent of Civilization Rome YouTube (50:55)
Rome was one of the greatest empires the world had ever seen. The Romans dominated much of Europe. They build infrastructure that could not be rivaled in the Ancient World. The Roman Empire was born on the shores of the Tiber. Few people would have settled in these mosquito-infested hills. However, the people would eventually take over the Italian Peninsula and then eventually most of Europe. At the height of its power, Rome dominated a quarter of the known world. So how did the Romans accomplish this feat? *Add to your "consider to show" list for a history class.*
The Germanic Tribes - YouTube (49:33)
The Germanic peoples terrified Rome and the stories of these tribes were passed down from generation to generation. They offered their gods’ human sacrifices. The women priestess could determine the fates of their tribes. They built small settlements in the wild. Eventually, these settlements grew up into kingdoms. They would lay the foundation of modern Europe. Who were the Germanic tribes? *Recommended as an alternative documentary for the section on Roman History.*
Boadicea: The Woman Who Humiliated Rome -YouTube (1:06:01)
Queen Boudicca was the queen of King Prasutagus. Together they were the leaders of the Iceni Tribe. When the Romans invaded Britain, King Prasutagus negotiated peace with Rome and became an ally of the Romans. It was after the King died, that trouble began. The Romans humiliated her, so Boudicca and the Iceni rose against them. She was the one woman who humiliated the Romans. So who was the historical Boudicca? *Only recommended to learn more about the Roman invasion of Britain.*
Colosseum - YouTube (1:28:18)
The Colosseum was Rome’s greatest monument. However, it is now under threat. A team of restorationists and historians come together to save the Colosseum. It was where heroes were made and then broken. Many came to witness the drama that took place within its wall. Beneath and grime, secrets are being revealed. What can this restoration tell us about the Colosseum? What will the restored Colosseum look like? *Highly recommended for a history and STEM classroom.*
The Limes - Episode 1 (43:01) Episode 2 (42:45)
Two thousand years ago, there was a heavily fortified border along stretches of Europe. They were known as the Limes and these were palisades, walls, and trenches. These were on lands that stretched across Germany. These were an attempt by the Roman Empire to keep the barbarians out. However, along these walls, villages would form, protected by the boundary and the Roman Legions. Using modern technology, archeologists, historians, and scientists are going to learn more about these posts. *Recommended for a history class, episode 2 recommended for a STEM class.*
Rise of Great Powers - Rome - YouTube (49:57)
Rome would rise from the ashes of defeat to create an Empire that would cover the Mediterranean world. After suffering a horrendous defeat at the hands of Hannibal Barca, Rome would go on the offensive and rise from that defeat. How would they rise from this horrible defeat? What was the secret behind the rise of Rome? In this episode, the secret behind the rise of Rome is revealed and it is Roman citizenship. Why would Rome employ citizenship to build an empire? *Recommended for a history classroom.*
The Greatest Race - Episode 1 (50:01) Episode 2 (50:13)
Young Scorpus was a former slave who would become one of the most famous characters in Ancient Roman History. He practiced his craft in the Circus Maximus and it was a racing stadium that held more than 150,000 spectators. Chariot racers were as popular as race car drivers. They were an important part of society and everyone identified with them. So who were the charioteers? How did they gain such popularity in Rome?
Journeys to the Ancient World
The Ancient Chariots of Libya - YouTube (50:22)
David Adams treks the Sahara Desert and follows the tracks of Ancient Rome’s “chariots of fire.” These were the first wheeled vehicles to cross the desert. Libya, although mostly desert, does occupy a large section of the Mediterranean Sea. He begins in Tripoli and goes deep into the heart of Libya. Adams then travels deep into the Sahara Desert. He ends his journey at the mountains that are on Libya’s borders. He is going on a journey of contrasts to learn more about Libya.
Pompeii
Pompeii: Life and Death - YouTube (58:42)
Pompeii: one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history. Mary Beard explores the story of Pompeii through the bones of its residents. The bones provide an interesting story of Pompeii’s residents. She uses the bones to shatter myths about Pompeii and tell Pompeii's story in a new way. She explores grand houses and the cisterns. This documentary is an update of the previous documentaries done on Pompeii. *Recommended for a high school classroom and independent study students.*
Vesuvius - YouTube (53:34)
The day Vesuvius erupted was an ordinary day for the citizens of Herculaneum and Pompeii. This documentary focuses on Herculaneum, the other city that was buried when Vesuvius erupted. For decades archeologists and scientists thought the people escaped. However, new evidence is emerging that demonstrates that is not the case. This is another fantastic updated documentary on Vesuvius. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Ancient Egyptian Secrets at Pompeii - YouTube (40:25)
Pompeii was an ancient city that was covered by Mount Vesuvius. It is a picture of what life was like in Ancient Rome. It was the most popular city in the Roman Empire. Its fame was known far and wide. How could Pompeii be influenced by Ancient Egyptians? Where can you find the Egyptian influence in Pompeii? This documentary explores the origins of Pompeii and how the Ancient Egyptians influenced the city. *Recommended to be put on your documentary list for high school history class.*
Eternal Pompeii - YouTube (52:39)
When Vesuvius exploded it buried the city of Pompeii. It was a shock to the Romans. How did the Romans react to this eruption? Would Pompeii be rebuilt? Pliny the Younger wrote about the eruption and his words came down to the present day. The sudden destruction of the city continues to intrigue people to the present day. Even today, there are discoveries and new stories are emerging about the destruction of Pompeii. *Highly recommended for middle school and high school classrooms.*
List Updated on August 31, 2023
