Specials

1. The Rise of Rome

August 11, 2005 · 24m

This special promo includes clips, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage that provide an insider's view of the process of making the series.

2. When In Rome

23m

An in-depth look at the historical accuracy of the series and its portrayal of Rome's religious practices, women, brutality, slaves, citizenry, culture, and political turmoil.

3. Friends, Romans, Countrymen

A clip-heavy EPK that introduces and examines the many characters of Rome. It's heavy on plot synopsis and base analysis, but makes succinct work of the first season's themes, heroes, soldiers, women, and storylines.

4. Shot by Shot: Caesar's Triumph

Entire documentaries aren't usually devoted to a single scene, but when it involves as much spectacle and psychological nuance as Caesar's turning point, it certainly deserves it. Key members of the cast and crew offer their thoughts on director Alan Taylor's contributions, the tone of the sequence, the framing of several shots, and the planning that went into making it the successful scene it is.

5. Shot by Shot: Gladiator

Another thorough "Shot × Shot" documentary focuses on a tricky gladiator battle, the weapons and armor crafted for the sequence, the composition of its shots, the scope of the sets, and the production team's practical and CG effects.

6. A Tale of Two Romes

21m

753 BC, the date historians traditionally assign to the founding of Rome, is at the heart of this historical documentary. Stamp discusses the origin of the city's rivalries, the dangers faced by its citizenry, the empire's revolving-door of power, early clashes between the Jews and the Romans, and the vulgarity, brutality, and graffiti that filled the streets.

7. The Making of "Rome": Season II

This second season doc focuses on the differences between Rome's seasons, the series' new characters, and the expanding scope of the show.

8. The Rise of Octavian: Rome's First Emperor

Stamp helms yet another historical overview, this one focused on Octavian, that mixes fact with production details to create an absorbing documentary.

9. Antony and Cleopatra

A short but satisfying look at history's so-called greatest love story, the series' approach to Antony and Cleopatra's relationship, and the manner in which the creators worked to pay respect to the historical figures.