Publisher's Synopsis
Collection of documentaries about life in Ancient Rome presented by classicist Mary Beard. The three-part series 'Meet the Romans' looks at the effect of the Empire on the everyday Roman, visiting notable sites such as the Colosseum and Monte Testaccio and exploring the lives of real citizens from the time. The episodes comprise: 'All Roads Lead to Rome', 'Streetlife' and 'Behind Closed Doors'. 'Caligula With Mary Beard' examines the life of Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, who is more commonly known as Caligula. After only four years in power Caligula was assassinated while still just a young man. Mary investigates whether there is any truth behind the stories told of the emperor's tyrannical and scandalous behaviour which gave him such a bad reputation. 'Pompeii - Life and Death in a Roman Town' explores the lives of the people of Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Investigating a cellar in Oplontis where 54 skeletons were found and using forensic techniques, the programme explores various aspects of life for people in the area, including diet, social class, disease and sex.
