Julius Caesar’s Rome, a two-DVD set, carries its audience back to Ancient Rome, a civilization that was born in 753 BCE on the banks of the river Tiber in modern Italy and ended with the fall of Constantinople in modern Turkey in 1453 CE. The first DVD narrates the life of Julius Caesar, Anthony, and Cleopatra. The narration of the life of both Anthony and Cleopatra is too long due to some lousy acting that history lovers should have been spared.

The second DVD starts with the legendary foundation of Rome in 753 BCE and ends with the reign of Justinian, the great emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire in the 6th century CE. The second DVD is an invitation to further explore the glorious past of Rome and its relevance to our western society.

The photography in both DVDs is usually compelling, the interviews with leading archaeologists are most often interesting, and the narration of Joe Mantegna is to-the-point and accessible. (Barnes & Noble)

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Throughout history, civilizations have come and gone, but few have altered the world as immensely as the Roman Empire. From its legendary founding by Romulus and Remus to its magnificent takeover of the Mediterranean to its eventual fall amidst the rise of Christianity, the many lasting influences of the Roman civilization remain with us today.

Experience documentary history at its best and bear witness to the rise and fall of an empire with THE HISTORY CHANNEL® PRESENTS: ANCIENT ROME. Based on an anecdote, it is claimed that the Emperor Justinian owed the final 50 years of rule to Theodora, who purportedly convinced him to stand and fight (and slaughter thousands) in the denouement of the infamous chariot race riots in Constantinople.

I regard this as more politically correct nonsense, appearing as it does among other such rubbish. Also in this category is the claim that adulterous women sent into exile were being singled out for being dangerous. That’s only true in the context of venereal diseases. Women who were poisoners (and therefore dangerous) often wound up executed, not exiled. (Amazon)