Plot Synopsis

A mix of documentary and historical epic, ROMAN EMPIRE: COMMODUS -- REIGN OF BLOOD chronicles the reign of Commodus, the emperor whose rule marked the beginning of Rome's fall. In addition to being handsome and strong, Commodus was the son of Rome's greatest philosopher king -- but he was the fool who brought down an empire. Commodus, the 'gladiator emperor,' is also the one who created 13 days of bloody 'games' in the Colosseum. One year after ROMAN EMPIRE: REIGN OF BLOOD was filmed in Auckland in November and December 2015, Netflix released the entire six-episode limited series on Friday, November 11, 2016 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT.

On Friday, July 27, 2018 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT, Netflix released the five-episode second season of this series, now titled ROMAN EMPIRE: JULIUS CAESAR -- MASTER OF ROME. The new season chronicles how Julius Caesar rises to establish one of history's greatest dynasties, but quickly discovers that unchecked power comes with a price. After success in war makes Caesar a rising star, escalating tension between Rome's two most powerful men creates an opportunity for advancement. Caesar's wealth grows as one-third of the triumvirate, but his brutal tactics make enemies, forcing him to remake his image as a military conqueror. Caesar's hard-won victory over Gaul endears him to the Roman people but leads to a military showdown with the Senate and his former ally, Pompey. After chasing Pompey to Alexandria, Caesar is victorious in the war, then swiftly makes a powerful new ally and lover in Egypt's ruler, Cleopatra. His reforms win public adoration, but Caesar's imperial ambitions antagonize the Senate and ill health undermines his authority, sparking a conspiracy.
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Season 3 of ROMAN EMPIRE, now titled ROMAN EMPIRE: CALIGULA -- THE MAD EMPEROR, premiered on Netflix on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT, as the streaming service released all four episodes. Once beloved by the troops and people alike, Caligula shocks Rome by ruling with the cruel depravity and debauchery that make him infamous. After the mysterious death of his popular father, young Caligula grows up in the uncertain shadow of his tyrannical emperor and uncle, Tiberius. The death of Tiberius vaults Caligula to power as Rome's new emperor, a role at which he initially excels -- until an illness unhinges his mind. Vulnerable without an heir, Caligula decides to secure the throne with a child of royal blood by embroiling himself in affairs with his three sisters. Caligula's increasing paranoia and debauchery lead to ruinous bloodshed and spending as Rome, the Senate and even former allies turn against him.