Showcases the rise and fall of the Roman Empire through the Colosseum, one of the most exhilarating and brutal arenas in the history of humanity.
Some eras of the past seem to resonate timelessly with viewers. Many of us, for example, can’t pass up a World War II documentary. Others are drawn in by tales of the Old West on the American frontier during the brief yet romanticized age of the cowboy across the mid-to-late 19th century.
Similarly, the History Channel’s “Colosseum” delves into another great epoch that readily captures the imagination of audiences. Here, the story unfolds, starting with the gladiators, then systematically going behind the scenes to demonstrate how the Romans built such an iconic structure. The Colosseum served as a symbol of conquest and dominance, radiating throughout the Western World.
The first episode echoes critical elements of the magnificent film “Gladiator,” directed by Ridley Scott, where captured and enslaved members of opposing armies begin their journey on the periphery of the Roman Empire and – if they were lucky – make it all the way to the famous contests in the eternal city. At the time, Rome was by far the largest city in the world, housing one million residents.
Graphic displays of death and mutilation lend an air of realism to the proceedings, which along with bread and circuses, were how emperors appeased and distracted potentially unruly crowds. Political popularity, it seems, mattered as much then as it does now.
The Colosseum opened in 80 C.E. to a hundred days of games promised by Emperor Titus without peer in terms of size and scope. But after only two years as emperor, Titus dies unexpectedly. His brother Domitian (Aron von Andrian) lacks the charisma of Titus, manifesting himself as a crueler and far more tyrannical ruler. In line with his personality, Domitian arbitrarily closes the Colosseum in an act of vanity. He orders the architect Haterius (Daniel De Bourg) to make ostensibly impossible improvements to the original structure in only eighteen months.
Despite the odds, the upgraded facility re-opened in 83 C.E. – indeed a sight to behold. Details regarding the “special effects” of the Colosseum consisted of hoisting animals and gladiators from the underground hypogeum to the arena floor. This unprecedented display of showmanship – perfectly synchronized – highlights the Romans’ engineering expertise in general and Haterius in particular.
Most of us remember the first moment we walked up the ramp into a modern sports stadium – whether for a concert or a sporting event. Such was the power of the pageant in the Colosseum, one of the most recognizable architectural structures that humanity has ever built.
Roel Reiné directs “Colosseum” with confidence and clarity throughout the limited series, expertly weaving in lesser-known threads of Roman history. Narrated by Campbell Scott, this review comes on the heels of another premier gladiatorial spectacle – the Super Bowl – equally as popular with contemporary audiences as the games were with the Romans. Thus, drawing comparisons across the centuries is quickly done. Indeed, “Colosseum” proves as relevant to 21st-century America as it does to the heady and enduring period of the Roman Empire at its zenith.
Now available on DVD
