User reviews

Rome is a very detailed and historically accurate show that will keep you hooked throughout the series. It really is one of the most underrated tv shows ever created and a true masterpiece that is pretty much loved by anyone who has ever seen it. Just read through the reviews to see how loved this show really is! It's only two seasons long but those two seasons were damn near perfect! The acting, writing, directing, cinematography, production, etc. Are all fantastic. It doesn't get nearly the recognition it deserves because it wasn't advertised that much when it was on and pre social media so word of mouth was hard back then. I really can't say anything more that hasn't already been said about this terrific show except to just go watch it!

I Claudius was maybe the best miniseries ever. Now, there's Rome, and it's even better.

I agree with another reviewer, that quibbles about historical inaccuracies, such as accents or how old so-and-so should be, are silly pedantry. I've been a Roman history buff ever since my own high school triumvirate of Caesar, Cicero and Virgil, and I say that this historical fiction is both exciting AND quite accurate with the important stuff.

So far, every player has been terrific, in particular Ciarán Hinds as Caesar and Max Pirkis as Octavian. Julius Caesar was perhaps the most complex "great" figure in history. Was he a great populist, trying to champion the people against the Optimates, or was he an ambitious demagogue, who was using the Roman mobs to attain the imperium? Hinds depicts this complexity perfectly, while projecting a steely will that is shared by Caesar's emerging protégé, Octavian. Thanks to Max Pirkis's brilliant portrayal, we can already see the no-nonsense pragmatism, ruthlessness and brilliance that will propel this boy into becoming the greatest despot in history.

And what about that dissolute Mark Anthony? We can already see Actium in his face. And with Atia, I think Livia (as depicted in I Claudius) and Messalina have met their match.

And midst the struggle for mastery of Rome, we see the struggle of more common folk just to make a living. Rome makes the parallel stories of the Optimates and Centurian, now Prefect, Vorenus and Legionnaire Pullo a perfect vehicle for comparing the travails of different classes — their love lives, social lives, how they treated the servants, how they practiced their faiths, how they fought. Seen from these different perspectives (which we did not get with I Claudius), we get a three-dimensional view and, for me, the closest to feeling like one is actually there of any historical fiction ever produced.

And look at the production values. Is it any wonder, when we see who's behind the camera — Michael Apted and John Milius — that we have an immaculately crafted work?

By their commitment to quality of production and integrity of story, HBO and BBC are demonstrating what television can be. This is a wonderful, wonderful series. Anyone with a love of history, drama and spectacle should be devouring it with delight.

Rome is absolutely, without a doubt, one of the best and most underrated tv series of all-time and is easily one of my favorite shows. The show centers around two Roman soldiers, Titus Pollo (Ray Stevenson) and Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd), as they are caught up in the biggest historical events and involved with the biggest historical figures of that era. The series is also as historically accurate as any show surrounding that era is. HBO is known for being the best when it comes to their tv shows and Rome is right there with the best of them. The entire cast of this show does an incredible job, every actor and actress on screen come off as completely believable. The attention to detail on this show is amazing, the show just takes you into their world and that era and doesn't let go of you. You'll want to binge this series as fast as possible.

HBO's "Rome" is perhaps one of the best historical TV shows there ever was and one of the best HBO has ever produced.

Set during the first century B.C., this TV show tells the tale of two Romans serving in the army, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pollo. Vorenus in a strict, humorless and hard-working centurion, expecting his troops to obey him and is a loyal citizen of Rome. Pollo is muscular, carefree, party-loving, and womanizing, yet he is also a faithful, trustworthy friend, loyal companion, and overall lovable character. These two military men serve in Julius Caesar's army and live during a time of turmoil in Rome.

Originally planned as a TV miniseries, "Rome" has become an actual TV show. This TV show is mostly fictional, but it incorporates historical characters like Caesar, Pompey, Cato, Mark Anthony, and Atia, the most of Octavian, soon to become Rome's first emperor, Augustus. It is a time when the Roman Republic is corrupt, and high-ranking Romans like Julius Caesar and Pompey fight for power. The historical events in Rome are told thru the eyes of Vorenus and Pollo.

The script is intelligent and realistic, with some profanity, violence, and decadence. Unlike most portrayals of Rome, which tend to be clean and sanitize things, this is a graphic portrayal of Ancient Rome, complete with drunkards, brawlers, womanizers, prostitutes, adulterers, fornication, and loads of sexual acts. This TV series do not attempt to hide the dirty aspects of the Roman Empire. Rather, it is a honest depiction of the Empire, portraying its decadence and wickedness.

As for the production, one word - great! The sets are huge and realistic, with the viewer feeling as if he/she is in the middle of the scene. The costumes, too, are realistic and accurate. The sets, props, and costumes, etc. show signs of research. The actors and actresses did a great job, too, portraying their characters realistically.

Overall, this is a great series. I will be expecting more seasons of this.

I've become so bored of mainstream television over the last decade that I now make a point of only watching series that are history-related, given my huge love of the subject matter. I missed ROME when it was first shown, but heard so much good about it that I caved in and bought the box set on Blu-ray. I'm so glad I did; believe the hype, ROME is the ultimate in costume drama.

The series only lasted for two seasons before cancellation, but every episode is a winner. There are two story strands running through: the big story and the little story. The big story is concerned with the legendary figures of history - in the first season Julius Caesar and his cohorts, and in the second Mark Antony. The little story looks at the minor characters, the soldiers and families involved with the politics of their era.

The script crackles with realistic dialogue and the characters are superb. Not just Pullo and Vorenus, but also Atia and her offspring, Brutus and his mother, even the minor players who are awarded little dialogue. Every actor is amazing, with Ciaran Hinds stealing the show in the first series and James Purefoy in the second.

I'm pleased that the producers went all-out in making an adult drama, not skimping on the sexual content or the violence. It's hard to pick highlights in a series that never puts a foot wrong, but Pullo's diversion in the gladiator arena is hard to beat in terms of its sheer power. The ending of season two, with Antony descending into madness, is chilling and moving in equal measure.

It took a good few years, but I'm pleased to report that TV producers are finally capitalising on ROME's success and beginning to make similar products as they realise a market for adult-focused historical drama. Already we're seeing the likes of SPARTACUS (three series and counting), CAMELOT, GAME OF THRONES, THE BORGIAS and THE TUDORS, each of them indebted to ROME in some way. I'll enjoy watching them, but I doubt any will equal the quality of this.

Simply put, this is one of the most underrated shows of all time. The attention to detail is absolutely astounding. The story arcs are captivating. Although only two seasons long, Rome is like reading a gripping novel!

I only wish there was more seasons. It has it all, love, war, death

HBO does it again. I got my start with the network back in 1990 with a sitcom called Dream On. From there, I have followed the yellow brick road through Sex and the City, Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Band of Brothers, From the Earth to the Moon and Deadwood (not to mention hours and hours of boxing, documentary specials and tons of movies).

HBO now presents a miniseries about the Roman Empire, appropriately called "Rome". The story revolves around the time Julius Ceasar conquers Gaul, and the subsequent years following that (Ceasar's rise to dictator). The series delves into historical and archaeological records, with a dash of artistic licensing to create an environment that seems so real. For the most part the series is divided into 3 parts :

1) Julius Caesar's rise to unanimous political power.

2) The exploits (in the field and at home) of a Roman officer, Luscious Vorenus, and one of the soldiers under his command (whom becomes his friend), Titus Pollo.

3) The various political and social interactions and manipulations of Caesars relatives, namely Atia and her two offspring, Octavian and Octavia.

4) Post Caesarian Rome.

The production of this series is quite breathtaking. It seems like they took into account so many of the variables ; costumes, jewelry, architecture, religious practices, mannerism, military units, social venues, politics, class structure,etc. to bring the empire back to life in the 21st century. They went as far as to train the extras portraying the Roman soldiers in boot camp fashion. All were to sleep in tents outside and were provided with no modern amenities.

This series has something for everyone with a strong stomach and inclination towards the graphic. The show is going for authenticity. This is not Rome seen through the eyes of 21st century people, but rather through they eyes of 1st century BC Romans. It has action, graphic violence, sex, incest, betrayal, murder, Machiavellian scheming, politics, family bonding, war,etc. I just can't begin to describe just how authentic the show feels and how hypnotically captivating it is to watch (especially in High Definition). I can't help but feel that John Milius (as a writer and executive producer) has brought some of the same grit and grime from Conan (albeit with a more historic flavor). Also on the writing credits is work from Entourage, Sex and the City, Band of Brothers and Desperate Housewives.

The acting core is quite good, consisting mostly on an English cast with theatrical experience. Their performances are quite good and contains many veterans and some newcomers (at least to me). Such standouts would include : Indira Varma (of Kama Sutra fame) who plays Luscious' wife Niobe, Kerry Condon (whom I first saw in Jet Li's Danny the Dog) as Atti's daughter Octavia, Kenneth Cranham (Jimmy from Layer Cake) as Pompey, Kevin McKidd (from Trainspotting and Dog Soldiers) as Luscious, Polly Walker as Atia and Ray Stevenson as Titus.

To add to the authenticity, the series was shot at Cinecitta Studios in Rome. This gives the series an extra flavor. I highly recommend this series, but only for those that can stomach graphic sex, violence and a lot of the Queen's English. It is currently my favorite show, and wishing it could last 1000 years.

-Celluloid Rehab

WHY was this series canceled?!!! While waiting for the new season of Game of Thrones to return, my husband and I started watching Rome on demand to stave off our epic genre addiction and we Love it! We were so disappointed to find out that it had been canceled! What a shame and only 2 seasons? Why?

Fans FYI: Having never heard of the characters Vorenus and Pullo, I assumed they were probably fictional characters but I did some digging and found that Vorenus and Pullo are only semi-fictional characters and were two of the very few plebeians/soldiers mentioned by Caesar in his writings, whose names appear as 'Titus Pulcio' and 'Lucius Varenus'. The first mention of Varenus and Pulcio comes in Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War.

Caesar tells us that the camp of the XIII legion was attacked by the Nervii in 54 BC and was about to be overrun. Pulcio jumped the ramparts to fight hand-to-hand with the Nervii. Varenus, not wanting Pulcio to reap all the glory, then jumps the ramparts too, killing many of enemy. As a demonstration of "brotherly love" and comradeship, they each save the other's life at certain points during the fight. Caesar said it was impossible to decide who was braver.

HBO, PLEASE bring Rome back!

Having watched the first three episodes, I am anxiously looking forward to seeing the rest of the episodes. All of the intrigue that was Rome is presented well, considering that no one involved lived during that time that could give accurate details on Roman life. For that matter, all historical presentations that are over a hundred years old are filled in with speculation and assumption and for that no one can discredit the attempts at accuracy.

For all of the naysayers, listen well. You complain that the show is full of pointelss dialogue. Rome was one of the first political empires to exist. When you have a Senate, it becomes very political. As for the accuracies to design, as I said, we can only speculate in accordance to available artifacts, as to how the place really looked. The designs do look as I picture in my own mind. Another complaint that I saw was about the sex with one such comment relating Rome to "Skinimax". The fact is this is set prior to Christian corruption, shunning the act of sex. So yes, there was a lot of it.

In this British historical drama, the turbulent transition from the Roman Republic to the autocratic empire, which changed world history through civil wars and wars of conquest, is outlined both from the aristocratic point of view of Julius Caesar (Ciarán Hinds), his family, his confrontation against Pompey Magnus (Kenneth Cranham), his adopted successor Gaius Octavian Augustus (Max Pirkis), his ally Mark Antony (James Purefoy) and political adversaries, and from the politically popular point of view of a few ordinary Romans , in particular the soldiers Lucio Voreno and Tito Pullo and their families. The main characters, Lucius Vorenus (Ray Stevenson) and Titus Pullo (Kevin McKidd), are named after real-life historical figures. They are mentioned in Caesar's Gallic Wars as two close associates with disputes between them over each other's bravery and over who will be promoted to Primus Pilus. They are referred to as explicitly brave when Marcus Tullius Cicero's brother was besieged. Then Caesar's love affairs with Cleopatra take place. When he goes to Egypt he receives the head of Pompey from Ptolemy XIII, which was not a dish of pleasure for Julius. Furious, he orders his executioners to be beheaded, and then sides with the faction of Cleopatra VII with whom he has a son and defeats Ptolemy. Some time later, in Rome he is murdered in the Senate by Brutus (Tobias Menzies) and Cassius. Antony is married to Octavia, Augustus's sister. After that, Antony marries Cleopatra and they are defeated by Augustus at Actium. After the assassination of Caesar by the senators, among others by his protégé Brutus , his political heir Augustus takes power. Before Spartacus: Sand of Blood. Before Game of Thrones. There was Rome! Rome without government... The lust for power begins! What would you do for power? Every city has its secret!

A good historical series turning out to be quite entertaining, dealing with Roman times during the fall of the Republic, providing decent performances and acceptable production design. And with an interesting and attractive script by the best writers, such as: William J. MacDonald, Scott Buck, Todd Ellis Kessler, Alexandra Cunningham, David Frankel but the real creators and show-runners were Bruno Heller and John Milius. The various directors: Michael Apted, Mikael Salomon, Allen Coulter, Steve Shill, Alan Taylor, Jeremy Podeswa, Adam Davidson, Carl Franklin, Alik Sakharov, Roger Young were determined to create a more authentic, evocative, realist and raw representation of classical Rome than films like Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus (1960) or Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000), which featured a shiny and prosperous version referred to as Holy Rome. Historical consultants stated that they did extensive research to be as real as possible, although they strove for authenticity rather than accuracy as they were not making a documentary. This series follows the history of the Roman Empire, from the first triumvirate: Crassus, Pompey, Caesar, following the life and death of Julius, as a powerful aristocratic family rises to power. Dealing with the extraordinary rise of Julius Caesar and subsequently Augustus, who overcame adversity to become the most powerful leaders in the world. This tangled story is about Caesar, Pompey, Marcus Antonius, the Roman Julia-Claudian dynasty, during the bloody civil wars, which will later follow a long 'Pax Romana' ruled by Octavian Augustus. The 'Pontifex Maximus' Octavius Augustus was the nephew and heir of Julius Caesar, and after the assassination of the latter on the 'Ides of March', he formed the second triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus. And then he proclaimed himself Emperor, being succeeded by other much worse emperors such as Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero.

This television hit within the historical framework was produced by HD Vision Studios, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Home Box Office (HBO) Sky Atlantic who brought Ancient Rome to life with a treatment in which sex and swords are mixed, with many scenes of love, violence and strong confrontations. Sex and violence on the plates in this peculiar portrait of Roman times that precedes and serves as a model for the less successful ¨Domina¨ (2021) which starred Livia (Kasia Smutniak) - wife of Augustus - as the cunning empress who little by little he tries to get his son Tiberius to assume the throne.

I only started subscribing to HBO a few years ago, so I never got to see this show when it was live. However, after watching the first season of Game of Thrones more times than I could count, I wanted something new. I had heard great things about this show, and to my delight, I found the Blu Ray set for Season 1 one day for only 25 bucks. I immediately started watching it with my wife, who loves a lot of the same HBO original series as I do (Sex and the City, The Sopranos, True Blood, Game of Thrones, etc). After watching the first few highly unsatisfying episodes, we looked at each other and my wife said "I'm not captivated". I said, "me neither". Meh. What am I missing here? Why did everyone go completely ga-ga over this series? Was it just fresh at the time? Maybe I'm spoiled by Game of Thrones, so when I see an inferior political/war drama, I can recognize it.

I must be totally missing what made this series so popular. One of the biggest problems is that the script and acting are terrible. This is supposed to be an authentic portrayal of ancient Rome, but it is littered with tons of British slang that sticks out like a sore thumb. The show constantly reminds you that you are not watching actual ancient Rome, but a bunch of British actors acting like one-dimensional, uptight jerks. The show feels like a daytime soap opera, and not the brilliant, realistic narrative that I was expecting. This show makes backstabbing, insulting, and betrayal about as boring as it could possibly be. Julius Caesar comes across to me as just another unemotional stuffy British guy, when he should be a guy that oozes charisma in buckets. This show utterly failed to convince me that this was a genius who led grand armies.

Another major problem with this show is that the most significant events often happen off screen. The worst example of this problem is halfway through the first season when Caesar's army is badly outnumbered and surrounded, and it looks like it's curtains for Julius. But then a massive battle happens off screen, and somehow Caesar wins. How he won is never actually explained. Clever tactics? An inspiring speech? Luck? Weather? All that we know is that the suspense, fear, and drama that was built up during the previous hour was all meaningless. This is a pattern repeated throughout this show. How am I supposed to care about what happens on this show when I don't even get to witness the most significant events? To me, that is like taking the great action scene at the end of "The Road Warrior" out of the movie and replacing it with some voice-over saying "the good guys won". Rome also does a poor job of giving you context for the major historical events that it portrays. I think that it might assume that the viewer is already an expert on ancient history, and it is merely filling in the blanks dramatically. I'm not an expert on ancient history, so I don't understand how Julius Caesar and Magnus Pompey got to be such bitter enemies. I almost felt like my Blu-Ray set was missing five crucial episodes of exposition.

Rome also really goes over the top when it comes to the sex. Rome has about as much sex as True Blood, but unlike that show, the sex in Rome isn't comical, and it usually isn't appropriate for the story either. It is more contrived and gratuitous. In one short scene, we see a Roman soldier nailing some lady from behind against a tree, not having seen how they met or how he seduced her. That was another moment where my wife and I kind of looked at each other like we were missing something.

Rome does at least have a couple of decent plot lines. The stories of the soldiers Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo are entertaining, and they supply the only (effective) comic relief. Vorenus is an uptight guy who can't do much besides fight. He is a lousy husband and he fails as a businessman. Pullo is more of a happy-go-lucky, crowd pleaser, woman pleaser type. The friendship that they strike up is interesting, as is the story of teenage Octavian, who possesses cynicism and knowledge beyond his years.

I watched ten episodes of the first season, and I don't feel all that strongly compelled to finish it. It has its moments, and I find the subject matter interesting despite its bungled presentation. Still, after hearing so much about how great this series was (from people whose opinions I usually agree with), I was very disappointed. I was hoping for a drama about war, politics, and the harshness of ancient life that featured good storytelling and realistic behaviors. In other words, I wanted something as good as Game of Thrones. I guess I'll stick with that.

HBO's "Rome" was great. I started to wonder why I was just seeing it. The story perfectly balances historical accuracy and gripping storytelling. The show brings ancient Rome to life, from Julius Caesar to Augustus, with impressive attention to detail. Characters like Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo have amazing arcs, making you care deeply about their journeys. Even though the series had to wrap up quickly due to potential cancellation, it delivers one of the most satisfying endings I've seen. If you love history and drama, "Rome" is a must-watch. It's both educational and incredibly entertaining.

This was one of the most exciting and historically interesting series on HBO. It was a shame that it only lasted two seasons. This look at the Rise and Fall of Julius Caesar during the Roman Empire was so interesting, historically accurate, and attended to details. The series was framed as being seen through the eyes of two Roman Centurians mentioned in a speech of Julius Casear in real life is engaging from moment one. It is also filled with explicit sex and violence. The Direction and cinematography are worthy of any motion picture. The costumes are wonderful. The acting is top notch by the lead and supporting cast. This is how historical series should be done.

Devastatingly good. Devastating - because there are only 2 seasons. Leaves you wanting more, and in a state of mourning when you realise that you will not get it.

Needless to be said, this is some very well done work!

Everything from the script, acting, storyline to the wonderful sets and costumes. Not to mention the well-written characters of course! It really transports you back to the Roman era. Whether you are a history buff or not, you will enjoy this one! It is a true gem, take my word for it.

My only wish is that I could forget about ever knowing about it so that I could watch it for the first time all over again.

Before Game of Thrones there was Rome, and in all honesty, I wish they had given this show whatever attention they chose to give the former, comparatively speaking, this one is far superior in every way possible.

A very excellent series and a very good acting performance by most of the actors, especially those who played the role of August Cesar in the second part

I am a little bit less enthusiastic about these series than the majority of the viewers in IMDb who seem to be really enthusiastic. To be sure, this is one of the best series on TV based on old history but this maybe tells more about TV series until now. I am writing this after having completed the viewing of the second season, and my rating would be 8.5 for the first season and 7 for the second.

On the good side I would mention the effort made on reconstructing the life and landscape of ancient Rome, even if some limits of the budget may be seen especially in the dimensions of the set. The day-to-day life and the morals are however splendidly caught and the first episode in the first series shine on these. Then we get a little accustomed and nothing significantly new shows up. I also liked the script which makes of many of the historic characters real people, does seldom fall into rhetoric, does not hesitate to take distance from some of the classical approaches in literature and theater, and succeeds to stay credible and interesting for most of the time. The pair Titus and Lucius who run their parallel story of friendship in parallel to the intrigues of famous historical figures is greatly acted, human, and moving. All looks like a god soap opera set in ancient times, and I am using this term in a very positive way, because good soap operas catch the attention and make the viewers care about the fate of the heroes.

On the bad side I would mention the repeated use of modern day slang, which breaks the convention and hurts credibility. Whatever the directors or script authors believe, repeated use of four letters words does not fit well in a movie about ancient Rome, and having Mark Anthony call Cleopatra 'baby' is hard to take either. There are also some continuity problems like the change of the actor playing Octavanus, as well as some side conflicts especially in the second season that seem more designed to fill in time, and are less connected to the rest.

I am curious if there will be a third season. The final seems to leave this opportunity open, and there certainly are enough events and screen-worth stories in the history of Rome. I would certainly follow and watch them.

Still the best series I've ever watched.

I think it is more of a travesty that this only got 2 seasons, than Firefly only getting one. (Bring it, nerds.)

Kevin McKidd and Ray Stevenson, as Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo - are the most likable 'odd couple' you will ever watch on film.

James Purefoy's Marc Antony is amazing, as is Ciarán Hinds' Caesar.

Season 2 comes in a bit short of 1.

• They switch the actor playing Octavian. (Mistake.)

• Polly Walker somehow goes from hot to chunky between seasons.

• A couple of uninteresting sub arcs are introduced; like Timon's brother and Octavia's love story.

But Kevin McKidd and Ray Stevenson are the heart and soul, so the negatives don't weigh it down much. And James Purefoy gets even more time to shine in season 2.

I saw the ROME Series, Both Season 1 & 2, in a weeks time.. And the last four episodes, in one go.. Such was my addiction to this splendid series that, I am still awestruck...

Kudos to the production house "HBO", for coming out with an extra - ordinary series worth every bit.. To start with, the cast was spectacular.. It was a sheer magic.. Every artist came up with such a captivating performance and it is bound to leave the mark... The actors, support crew, the newsreader (you would love him and start imitating his way immediately), the ladies... You name it and you have it in this series...

I had to wait an eternity to get my hands on this series.. My favorite characters, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo were the best.. The way, their friendship has been portrayed will leave an indelible mark on the audience for long time... You cannot imagine these two characters being donned by anyone else... In my opinion, they were the real heroes..

Ciarán Hinds as Julius Ceaser was amazing.. He carried his role effortlessly and with such a brilliance.. Lyndsey Marshal as Cleopatra was stunning.. Her mere presence ignites the frame to perfection... Boy, I was just carried away.. Such a beauty... James Purefoy as Mark Antony was portrayed brilliantly.. He justified his role more than anyone.. Awesome...

Even though, each episode has been directed by different people, they have been construed so well, that, the entire epic series is carried effortlessly... The continuity of thought has been maintained to perfection...

Brutus with his audacious voice was terrific... He was Brutus indeed...

My verdict: A perfect 10 on 10... Go ahead and watch the enigmatic series ever to be made... And be mesmerized like me... !!!

I loved this series. It was well written, well acted, and fairly close to historically accurate as possible, everything considered. It was an expensive series, and you can tell. The quality of the sets, the exterior scenes...so well done. I laugh at the detractors, I mock them.

This is NOT a documentary. Get over it. I loved this production, from start to finish. Well worth watching, and I've seen it probably 20 times.

Concise but nevertheless extremely epic drama about two great leaders and two common soldiers captivates first and foremost by mere fact that it *indeed* happened. A simple reminder that "these events really transpired" is already a good reason to give Rome a try. Second good reason is commendable realism of the series.I can't defend or prosecute the plausibility of roman setting but I definitely like the character exposition, especially of the historical ones. Caesar is prudent, inspiring man, Octavian is smart yet extremely proud noble, Brutus is earnest idealist, Antony is talented decadent, Cleopatra is lascivious, ambitious queen... Writers and actors did fantastic job intertwining real with fiction in interesting and yet not contradicting manner. Second season falls a bit behind on that front due to the fact that performance of new Octavian does not match his supposed greatness. Nevertheless history is where Rome shines throughout both seasons.

Ironically (or rather consequently) all problems of Rome stems from everything that was *made up*. After all Rome is not about Caesar or Octavian, Rome is about Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. "The tale about two soldiers" is archetype but to shape it into novelty and not into stereotype you got to be extremely well versed. I am biased towards liking their storyline in the first season simply because I liked Lucius Vorenus so much. His stoic lawful good attitude is admirable and uplifting. In what else realistic TV series can you find a character who has always been faithful to his wife? But such people *do* exist. But let me remove the bias and I can see that the other protagonist, Titus Pullo, is fine likeable character but a cheap trick: you will love him for the same reason you love loyal silly dog. And tale of two soldiers itself - littered with cliche movements (love and hate friendship, unfortunate coincidence, fall from goodness) or questionable developments (Vorenus family relationships, Pullo's dive into hitman job). The inward change of Vorenus in second season is most disappointing of them all.

Aside from Vorenus and Pullo there are other elements where writers' ideas went awry: Atia is annoying and hardly perceived as mother for such good children, Servilia plot is too long and overaccented, Octavia begins as symbol of purity and duty but ends up as resentful child for no reason.

Lastly a note to actions lovers, visiting from Vikings or Spartacus: Rome is not action at all, there are no battles or any kind of thrilling fights. Rome is about narration and story presented impeccably upon historical background.