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A weak emperor. A divided empire. Barbarians at the gate. Does this perfect storm mean the end of ancient Rome?

At the turn of the fifth century, the Roman world faces its greatest crisis in 800 years: the sack of Rome in 410 AD. This seismic event marks the beginning of the end for the Western Roman Empire.

In 395 AD, the child emperor Honorius inherits a vast but fragile empire. Guided by General Stilicho, he must control a fractured system plagued by rebellion, economic decline and elite corruption. Gothic peoples, having been recruited by the Roman state but subsequently mistreated, now march against Rome, led by their commander Alaric.

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59 minutes

Last on

Fri 5 Dec 202502:50
BBC Two

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Credits

NarratorSophie Okonedo
HonoriusLuca Saraceni-Gunner
AlaricLeander Vyvey
StilichoRoberto Davide
DirectorDavid Lee
ProducerLindsey Hanlon
Production ManagerEmma Hyland
Series ProducerAnthony Mitchell
Executive ProducerAlexander Leith

Broadcasts

  • Mon 24 Nov 202521:00
    BBC Two
  • Thu 27 Nov 202523:05
    BBC Two except Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD
  • Sun 30 Nov 202523:05
    BBC Two Northern Ireland HD & Northern Ireland only
  • Fri 5 Dec 202502:50
    BBC Two

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