A Roman historian reviews the historical accuracy of HBO's Gladiator 2 on the horizon and the release of Those About To Die, there seems to be a particular interest in the Roman Empire in the media.

Speaking in a History Hit special about shows focused on the Roman Empire, historian Tristan Hughes reviewed the accuracy of Rome. Check out the video below:

He examined the show's earliest scenes and described it as a "timeless classic" that "ancient historians love". He assessed the armor, which he described as "brilliant," and claimed that the HBO series was successful at "really demonstrating... the discipline of these Roman legionaries."

What The Accuracy Review Means For Rome

Rome's Accuracy Led To A High Budget.

Hughes went in-depth to describe every element that he loved from the early scenes. In the first battle, he emphasized the historical insignificance of Vorenus' whistle. He then details the Roman discipline, as showcased by Pullo's whipping, and even describes multiple similar cases in the real Roman Republic. Crucifixions and public beatings could be consequences of similar sins to Pullo's, which added to the show's educational allure.

These praises are essential for a show that markets itself as faithful to real-world history.

Vercingetorix's historic surrender and the ensuing triumph were also noted, with even the small details being based on real-world history. There was some about Caesar's red face painted as a mark of Jupiter, while the importance behind Caesar's triumph and other accomplishments of his reign as a military general was addressed. These praises are essential for a show that markets itself as faithful to real-world history.

Those small details explain the show's record-breaking $100 million budget and what likely led to the eventual cancelation. HBO was left with a show that relied on detailed production design, exquisite armor, and a realistic city structure. However, high viewership was needed to compensate for the hefty cost and show that the investment was worthwhile. While the series gained slow momentum, it didn't reach HBO's expectations to continue beyond season 2, leading to a cancellation. Rome is even noted as one of the most expensive shows.

Our Take On Rome's Accuracy

The Accuracy Only Makes Rome Better

While the accuracy created an excessive budget, which led to the cancellation, Rome was a near-perfect show. That faithfulness to real-world history helped set it apart from other shows set in the Roman Republic. Characters have challenges similar to ones that they might have faced in life, which only makes their tragic stories more interesting. Details, including the face paint and the punishments, helped make the culture feel completely distinct, which certainly aided the show's perception as a unique depiction.

Borrowing from history also made the story entirely believable. It remains one of HBO's best shows, as it balances the lives of historical greats and those of the soldiers serving beneath them. If it included more anachronistic elements, it might have failed to provide that sense of grandiose scale and honest depiction. Rome worked because of its accuracy, not in spite of it.

Source: History Hit