Colosseum

This programme goes much deeper into the origins and history of the Colosseum than any other that I've seen about it.

The details of the construction are mind-boggling and the skill of the master builder behind it is remarkable. The programme also does a good job of placing the construction project in the timeline of the Roman imperial Flavian dynasty.

The dramatic scenes are well done too, with some good acting performances and effective special effects.

You'll certainly have a much better understanding of how the Colosseum was built and it's place in the reigns of Vespasian, Titus, Domitian and other emperors who followed them.

Occasionally interrupted by an interesting series. Each episode might be less than 30 minutes per hour. First and last thing I'll ever plod through on The History Channel.

Colosseum

Overall we learnt quite a bit, but it was quite a mixed bag of generalisms and grandstanding by several historians who went way beyond the history. All emperors had access to use the Colosseum to advance there standing with the people of Rome, not true, the Colosseum typified Rome not true, circus Maximus was the main draw in Rome. Gladiators were trained slaves not wholly true many freedmen to fame and wealth and chose to be gladiators. The Colosseum was how slaves became freedmen, not true Romans free thousands of people each year and even married them.

Several episodes dragged terribly and just kept repeating the same stuff, the worst one was the Martyr.

Overall I liked it but the historians irritated, one man moved his hands matching every syllable, this is like a text message in capitals it shouts at you. For me this is a 6 outta 10, it could have been great but turned out pedestrian.

Following the first installment I abandoned it, checking it a few times now & then if it had improved. Some of the information is extremely interesting but the intense interruptions of commercials was the end for me. It's value is hopefully inspiring someone to have an interest in ancient history, etc.

As for the commercial breaks - exactly the reason why we all but put "Oak Island" on hiatus.

Love the programme but would like to challenge the statement from Shelley P. Haley regarding how the Romans viewed the afterlife.

I believe she stated that was nothing only an underworld of darkness. This is simply not true. The Romans believed you were judged on your life. The underworld was the receptacle of all departed persons, of the good as well as the bad, it was divided into five parts: the first may be called the previous region; the second is the region of waters, or the river which they were all to pass; the third is what we may call the gloomy region, and what the ancients called Erebus; the fourth is Tartarus, or the region of torments; and the fifth the region of joy and bliss, or what we still call Elysium.

I would have thought that such an intelligent person would have known this.