Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21787 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-06-04
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 300 minutes

Synopsis
The complete BBC series which looks at the lives of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, Hadrian, Constantine and Justinian.

Customer Reviews

Thoughtful and detailed examination of the Roman Emperors
Phil Grabsky is a masterful documentary maker, his talent in particular is for examintaion of individuals and leading men as seen in his other great series - the great commanders. Grabsky seeks to discuss Roman history by looking at the lives of six Romans - Julius Caesar and then Augustus, Nero, Hadrian, Constantine and Justinian.

The idea is that each one perhaps offers a different insight into the Empire, Caesar who laid the foundations for Augustus to become the first emperor, Augustus who's political ability and vision underpinned the shape of the empire for most of its existence, Nero as an example of a despot and the downside of the system, Hadrian provides insight into the scale of the Empire and the role of the emperor as a builder and controlling the destiny of the Empire, Constantine provides insight into the rebirth of the Empire and the increasing Christian influence on the Empire, whilst Justinian has been dubbed "the Last Caesar" for his efforts to reconquer the Western Empire.

The series thus works on an episode basis by discussing an individual leader and also on an overall scale by using the different facets of each to create an overall impression of the Roman Empire. Perhaps the only disappointment of this series is that it is only 6 episodes long, and the result is that the discussion is focused on the early empire, covering the first two centuries of the empire and then starting again from over 100 years later. It would have been nice to have looked at a Severan Emperor or even Marcus Aurelius, whilst Diocletian, Constantine's predecessor would have been worth a discussion not least as the only Emperor to ever retire.

That said this is an excellent series which observes high standards and provides a well structured insight into the Roman Empire, making it an essential for any documentary collection.

An excellent and informative series on Rome's great leaders
I,Caesar offers a compelling and original insight into the Roman Empire. The film-maker, Phil Grabsky, charts the rise and fall of this fascinating and influential power in this excellent series. I've always been intrigued by how it is the Romans became such an impressive cilivilisation and this film follows their expansion through six incredible leaders, starting with Julius Caesar and following through to Justinian.

The imagery within the series is beautiful and craftfully brings to life this enthralling history. I really loved it, and would highly reccommend.