Rome

Rome is a historical drama TV series from HBO that depicts aristocratic politics and historical upheavals from the perspective of two ordinary Roman soldiers and their families through the transition from the infamous Roman republic's fall and remarkable empire's rise. Created by Bruno Heller, John Milius, and William J. MacDonald, the show stars Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson) as plebeians whose lives and families become intertwined with important events and personalities. The TV series starts with Gaius Julius Caeser (Ciarán Hinds) conquering Gaul in 52 B.C. and turning back to Rome with thousands of faithful soldiers, tons of loot, and plans for a drastic social revolution in tow. Though the established aristocracy, threatened, attempts to disrupt Caesar's return, two of Caesar's soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, thwart the plan and, with success, win the appreciation and trust of Caesar, providing them with a unprecedented access to the ruling class. From there, the series continues through history up to the ascension of Emperor Augustus. Vorenus is the traditional Roman soldier, a duty-bound family man, whereas Pullo is the rebel, by many accounts an immoral opportunist. The saga covers betrayal, corruption, love infighting, party lines, ethical struggles, the relationship between slaves and masters, and more on the grand Roman stage. Initially intended to run five seasons, the multiple Emmy Award-winning TV series was short-lived and lasted only two. Though a critical and ratings success for HBO and BBC, Rome's sumptuous, elaborate, and detailed sets of Roman villas and even the Forum were reportedly some of the most expensive in TV series history. However, a big screen version of the Rome TV series was rumored as recently as March 2010. MORE