Born in the Purple
Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2016 (60 min)
Fighting an implacable enemy in Germany, Marcus Aurelius trains his decadent son Commodus to succeed him, while rumor and intrigues brew back in Rome.
Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2016 (60 min)
Fighting an implacable enemy in Germany, Marcus Aurelius trains his decadent son Commodus to succeed him, while rumor and intrigues brew back in Rome.
Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2016 (60 min)
The Germanic tribes strike as Marcus Aurelius succumbs to disease, leaving a skeptical Emperor Commodus to prosecute a war that doesn't interest him.
Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2016 (60 min)
Commodus rises to power as Rome's new emperor, but not everyone supports his ascent. Among those conspiring against him: his older sister Lucilla.
Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2016 (60 min)
Commodus defeats his sister's coup but withdraws from governing, allowing others to amass power while he engages in an affair and banishes his wife.
Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2016 (60 min)
A disastrous grain shortage reveals Cleander's treachery and leaves Commodus isolated, inspiring him to train as a gladiator in a bid to unite Rome.
Episode: 1x06 | Airdate: Nov 11, 2016 (60 min)
Lavish imperial games at the Colosseum are highlighted by the emperor's bloody victories, but his paranoid abuses of power lead to a final betrayal.
Episode: 2x01 | Airdate: Jul 27, 2018 (44 min)
After success in war makes Caesar a rising star, escalating tension between Rome's two most powerful men creates an opportunity for advancement.
Episode: 2x02 | Airdate: Jul 27, 2018 (60 min)
Caesar's wealth grows as one-third of the triumvirate, but his brutal tactics make enemies, forcing him to remake his image as a military conqueror.
Episode: 2x03 | Airdate: Jul 27, 2018 (60 min)
Caesar's hard-won victory over Gaul endears him to the Roman people but leads to a military showdown with the Senate and his former ally, Pompey.
Episode: 2x04 | Airdate: Jul 27, 2018 (60 min)
After chasing Pompey to Alexandria, Caesar is victorious in the war, then swiftly makes a powerful new ally and lover in Egypt's ruler, Cleopatra.
Episode: 2x05 | Airdate: Jul 27, 2018 (60 min)
His reforms win public adoration, but Caesar's imperial ambitions antagonize the Senate and ill health undermines his authority, sparking a conspiracy.
Episode: 3x01 | Airdate: Apr 5, 2019 (44 min)
After the mysterious death of his popular father, young Caligula grows up in the uncertain shadow of his tyrannical emperor and uncle, Tiberius.
Episode: 3x02 | Airdate: Apr 5, 2019 (40 min)
The death of Tiberius vaults Caligula to power as Rome's new emperor, a role at which he initially excels -- until an illness unhinges his mind.
Episode: 3x03 | Airdate: Apr 5, 2019 (38 min)
Vulnerable without an heir, Caligula decides to secure the throne with a child of royal blood by embroiling himself in affairs with his three sisters.
Episode: 3x04 | Airdate: Apr 5, 2019 (40 min)
Caligula's increasing paranoia and debauchery lead to ruinous bloodshed and spending as Rome, the Senate and even former allies turn against him.