Rome (HBO) – First Scene

Rome (2005) is a historical drama television series co-produced by HBO, BBC Two, and RAI. Set in the 1st century BCE, it follows the lives of ordinary citizens and prominent historical figures during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. The series is known for its gritty, realistic portrayal of Roman history, focusing on the political, social, and military events that led to the rise of Emperor Augustus.

Plot Summary

Rome explores the significant events of ancient Roman history, starting with the rise and fall of Julius Caesar. The story is told through the eyes of two fictional soldiers, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), who are involved in many historical events and key moments of Roman history. Their lives intersect with major figures such as Caesar, Mark Antony (James Purefoy), Cleopatra (Lyndsey Marshal), and Octavian (Maximillian Martone).

The first season mainly focuses on the political turmoil leading up to Caesar’s assassination and the impact of his death. The second season depicts the power struggle between Mark Antony and Octavian as they vie for control of Rome after Caesar’s death. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, ambition, and the shifting balance of power are explored as the characters navigate the complex world of Roman politics and warfare.

Key Characters

1. Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd): A loyal and honorable Roman soldier who, despite his personal struggles, remains committed to his duties. He serves as a primary protagonist throughout the series, navigating both personal and political challenges.
2. Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson): Vorenus’s best friend and a more impulsive, rough-around-the-edges soldier. He often acts as the comic relief but also plays a crucial role in the events of the series.
3. Julius Caesar (Ciarán Hinds): The ambitious and powerful leader of Rome whose actions spark the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. His relationships with those around him, especially his political alliances, are central to the series.
4. Mark Antony (James Purefoy): A loyal ally of Caesar who seeks to consolidate power after Caesar’s death. His political machinations and his complex relationship with Cleopatra are key aspects of the story.
5. Octavian (Maximillian Martone): Caesar’s adopted son and heir, who ultimately becomes Augustus. The series explores his rise to power, his cunning political maneuvering, and his eventual role in the foundation of the Roman Empire.
6. Cleopatra (Lyndsey Marshal): The Queen of Egypt, who forms an infamous romantic and political alliance with Julius Caesar and later with Mark Antony. Her influence over these key Roman figures is pivotal in shaping Roman history.
7. Atia of the Julii (Polly Walker): A manipulative and ambitious Roman matron, the mother of Octavian, whose machinations play a significant role in the political landscape of the time.

Themes

• Power and Ambition: The series delves into the ruthless pursuit of power in ancient Rome, highlighting the political and military struggles that define the Roman Republic’s transition to empire.
• Friendship and Loyalty: The relationship between Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo serves as a central emotional thread in the series, showing how loyalty between friends can be tested by war and politics.
• Corruption and Morality: Rome portrays the corruption of Roman society, from political intrigue and betrayal to the personal vices of its characters, often questioning the morality of the characters’ actions.
• War and Conflict: The series vividly depicts the wars and battles that defined Roman history, from civil wars between factions to the complex interactions with foreign powers like Egypt.