Customer Reviews

Ancient Rome: Story of an Empire [VHS]

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This is only for peole ,who is resurch Roman history and for students of historical institute.