HBO's Rome remains the gold standard for historical dramas – a masterpiece that even its closest rival, Game of Thrones, couldn't quite match in its conclusion. Launched in 2005 with a budget to match its ambition, this two-season epic transported viewers to ancient Rome on a grand scale, recreating the opulence and brutality of the era at Italy's Cinecittà studios. The meticulously crafted sets, authentic costumes, and uncompromising portrayal of life in Roman times – complete with blood, intrigue, and complex relationships – raised the bar for historical dramas forever.
The series charted Julius Caesar's rise to power and the subsequent civil wars with unflinching honesty, but it was the human stories that truly set Rome apart. We saw historical figures like Caesar (Ciarán Hinds), Mark Antony (James Purefoy), Brutus (Tobias Menzies), and Cleopatra (Lyndsey Marshal) as flawed and ambitious individuals, rather than just legendary names. And then there was Polly Walker's phenomenal performance as Attia – a shrewd operator whose politics put even the most modern-day power brokers to shame.
But Rome's unique strength lay in its dual protagonists: two ordinary Roman foot soldiers, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), whose 'ride or die' friendship gave a grounded perspective on the vast historical landscape. This focus allowed the show to delve into the daily lives, loves, and struggles of common Romans, making ancient Rome feel both alien and reassuringly familiar.
The influence of Rome on subsequent epic dramas is clear – several of its directors went on to work on Game of Thrones, including Tim Van Patten, who reshoots the show's original pilot and saved it from disaster. The success of Rome in crafting a compelling narrative from intricate politics, shocking betrayals, and sharp dialogue has set a blueprint for future productions tackling sprawling historical sagas.
If you haven't watched Rome yet or want to revisit its magic, the series is available now on NOW TV and Sky Go. The enduring appeal of this epic drama lies in its exceptional cast, many of whom have gone on to forge incredible careers – think Tobias Menzies' critically acclaimed portrayal of Prince Philip in The Crown, or the late Ray Stevenson's unforgettable turn as Pullo.