Mary Beard narrates chronically the complete history of the Roman Empire. Beginning with the myth of Romulus and Remus, which introduces themes of violence and expansion, she follows with Rome’s rise from a small town to a military powerhouse through its unique ability to incorporate conquered peoples. The series then explores the internal transformations of the empire, detailing how Greek culture reshaped Rome and how the ambition of powerful individuals like Julius Caesar and Augustus replaced the Republic with one-man rule. The third episode examines the practicalities of empire, highlighting how Roman roads and commerce connected vast territories, but also relied on brutal systems of slavery and resource exploitation. Finally, the narrative addresses the complex question of the empire’s decline, pointing to internal chaos, external pressures from “barbarian” tribes, and the rise of a new monotheistic religion, Christianity. To conclude, she argues that the empire didn’t simply fall but rather transformed, with its cultural and political legacy enduring in new forms, most notably in the form of the Christian faith.