Product Details

• Format: Box set, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 4
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: April 27, 1999
• Run Time: 200 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0767012631
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #232,565 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The History Channel's four-part overview of the Roman Empire spans more than 3,000 years, from Rome's mythologized founding by Mars's twin sons Remus and Romulus to Latium's expansion and domination of the Mediterranean world to the rise of Christianity and Rome's ensuing fall. At once informative and entertaining, Ancient Rome is a terrific example of all that is good on television today; in video it is a wonderful boxed set for any history buff--or teacher--to own.

Hosted by Joe Mantegna, Ancient Rome focuses on the four key periods in Roman history. Volume 1, "The Republic of Rome," examines the overthrow of the Etruscan monarchy and the conquest of Carthage and establishment of the two-class plebeian-patrician republican system. Volume 2, "The Age of Emperors," is first and foremost a history of the end of the republic and August's defeat of Marc Antony, as well as a biography of Julius Caesar. Volume 3, "Building an Empire," focuses on Rome's golden age and its still-visible heritage--including art and science and the systems of laws and roads that still connect and direct Europeans' lives. Finally, volume 4, "The Enduring Legacy," looks at Rome's early indifference to Christianity and how this religion came to dominate the world through Rome's dominance, even as the empire itself was about to crumble. Although this series suffers at times from a superficiality inherent in any cut-down documentary on so great a topic, it nonetheless remains--with thousands of beautiful images from Roman sites recontextualized to illuminate their ancient significance--an ideal introduction to all that was Rome. --Erik Macki

Product Description

From Romulus and Remus to the rise of Christianity, ANCIENT ROME: THE STORY OF AN EMPIRE THAT RULED THE WORLD introduces the people and chronicles the events that shaped one of history’s most fascinating civilizations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Bad, judging by the first part, November 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ancient Rome: Story of an Empire [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The first part of this series, at least, is not very good. It emphasizes the sordid aspects of ancient Rome and ignores many of the great accomplishments of the Roman Republic. The conflict with Carthage, which was a major aspect of Rome's development, is hardly even mentioned, leaving out great figures such as Cato and Scipio. Images are used in the wrong historical context. It would be possible to make a much better video history of Rome than this.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting overview, February 10, 2002

By 

nada - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancient Rome: Story of an Empire [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Great presentation for anyone interested in ancient history. Joe Mantegna does a fine job as narrator. Vol. #1 chronicles the early years ie., the overthrow of the Etruscans up to Julius Caesar's reign. Vol #2 is The Age of Emperors and covers Augustus (Octavian) thru Nero. It explores their private lives and political maneuverings. Vol. #3 is Building An Empire which discusses among other subjects the perpetual traveler Hadrian and the melding of captured lands into Roman culture. Finally Vol. #4 The Enduring Legacy encompasses the early years of Christianity (from Constantine to Justinian) and the eventual shift of power to Constantinople. Of course every historical fact and point of view can't be explored in just four videotapes. There are other sets - Hail, Caesar is one - that can also be added to expand your collection and knowledge of Rome, its citizens and its emperors. Overall this is an enlightening overview of ancient Rome.

10 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Christian bias again, July 29, 2001

By 

Lori "MagistraK" (Fredericksburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ancient Rome: Story of an Empire [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Joe Montegna needs serious help with his pronunciations (it's a "consul" not a "council") and much of the material is slanted with a pro-Christian, anti-Pagan viewpoint, particularly in the second half of the tapeset. The purpose of the tapes is not to explain the Roman empire, but rather why we're so lucky that Christianity overwhelmed it and put and end to it. Some material, especially the visuals, is good, but some quotes are anachronistically used and some pictures are mislabeled. Enjoy, but don't expect this to be fair to the Romans.