Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire

It is 113 BC. Rome is a republic, a small empire clinging to the rim of the Mediterranean. Though it is a democracy in name and spirit, a man there still must be rich.

When Roman generals Pompey and Crassus, lead their mighty legions of soldiers and mercenaries into the lands surrounding Italy.

It is 60 BC. Over-powerful generals and money corrupt the Roman Republic. The empire churns with civil war, and violence and murder run rampant.

As the Roman Empire expands its reach into what is now Germany, its legions are faced with ferocious Germanic tribesmen.

It is 47 AD. The new emperor Claudius is considered by many to be the village idiot. He can only hang onto his throne by waging a spectacular conquest.

Despite the Empire's successes, the extensive military campaigns begin to take their toll on Rome's finances. When Dacian tribes ravage Roman lands.

It is 162AD. Marcus Aurelius inherits the empire at its peak. Peace and prosperity have reigned for a hundred years, and the imperial boundaries stretch from the Irish Sea.

In the beginning of the 3rd century, Rome is in crisis. Ravaged by civil war and foreign invasions it now faces an even greater challenge, the new religion of Christianity.

Near the end of the third century, civil war has torn the empire apart and left its borders vulnerable to barbarian invasion.

The civil wars of the third century are finally ended by Emperor Diocletian, who shares rule of the empire with three co-emperors. In the eastern court and army of this powerful emperor, a young Constantine receives the training of a future leader.

By the end of the fourth century, Romans and barbarians live together uneasily in the empire, a situation that often explodes into violence.

In 450 AD, Rome is a mere shadow of its former self. Gone is the superior civilization and great expanses of land.

In the middle of the 5th century, as the Empire fights a losing battle against its formidable barbarian opponents, one Roman named Orestes finds service in the court.