TV SERIES · 2005–2007 · ITALY
Rome
- Created by
- Bruno Heller, John Milius, William J. MacDonald
- Network
- HBO
- Seasons
- 2
- Episodes
- 22
- Studio
- BBC
170 archived facts 8 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
A down-to-earth account of the lives of both illustrious and ordinary Romans set in the last days of the Roman Republic.
170 Interesting Facts About Rome
Interesting Facts (40)
- #001
- #002
The main characters, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, are named after real-life historical figures. They are mentioned in Caesars' The Gallic war as two close partners with quarrels between them about each others bravery and who is to be promoted Primus Pilus. They are mentioned as explicitly courageous when Marcus Tullius Cicero's brother was besieged. The audacity of Pullo is also noted, similar to the Pullo in the series.
- #003
- #004
The makers were adamant to create a more genuine and gritty depiction of classic Rome than movies such as Gladiator (2000) had done, which presented a shiny and prosperous version that they referred to as "HollyRome." Historic consultant and series co-producer Jonathan Stamp stated that they did thorough research to be as authentic as possible, even though they strived for "authenticity rather than accuracy" since they were not making a documentary.
- #005
- #006
- #007
- #008
- #009
The main characters Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo take their names from real historical figures. In Caesar's Gallic War they are mentioned as two close associates who quarreled over each other's courage and over who would be promoted to Primus Pilus. They are explicitly noted as having been brave when Marcus Tullius Cicero's brother was under siege. Like Pullo in the series, Pullo's daring stands out.
- #010
- #011
- #012
- #013
- #014
Lucius Vorenus's rank of Primus Pilus, or the "First Spear" of a Roman legion, was roughly the equivalent of a modern lieutenant colonel. The Primus Pilus was typically the highest rank an ordinary legionary could reach through promotion, and he would command the legion's First Cohort. The commander of a legion would typically be a Tribune appointed by the Senate or a Consul, or later a Legate, and this person would be a nobleman or at least a member of the equestrian order. Though not the commander, the advice of the Primus Pilus, a professional soldier, would be taken very seriously by the legion's commander.
- #015
A fire that broke out in the backlot of Cinecittà on 9 August 2007 destroyed 3,000 square meters of the 400,000-square-meter Rome set. Several highly flammable fiberglass sets in the red-light district were destroyed, but the Forum, temples, thermal baths and other buildings were untouched.
- #016
- #017
- #018
- #019
- #020
The producers were determined to create a more authentic and daring depiction than films such as Gladiator (2000), which they said presented a glossy and successful version of classical Rome that they called "HollyRome." Historical consultant and series co-producer Jonathan Stamp stated that although they strove for "authenticity rather than accuracy" since they were not making a documentary, they did extensive research to be as authentic as possible.
- #021
- #022
- #023
- #024
- #025
- #026
- #027
The BBC decided to split the first three episodes in two for the British market. The channel claimed that most of the exposition was unnecessary because British viewers were more familiar with Roman history than American viewers. Director Michael Apted, who learned of the changes by chance, said the channel had probably re-edited the episodes to focus more on violence and sex while disregarding the story. The uncut first season was later released together with the second season.
- #028
- #029
- #030
- #031
In Italy, the series aired on public television at 9:00 p.m. instead of at midnight or later like other HBO series. In the Italian broadcast, profanity in the dubbing was partly removed, violence was reduced, and instances of incest, rape and homosexuality were removed entirely. Scenes with full frontal male nudity were replaced with alternative shots in which the actors wore loincloths or towels. After parents complained about the time slot, a disclaimer was added stating that the series was intended for adults only.
- #032
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Production Story (48)
- #041
Five seasons were planned out before the first season aired. However, the show was canceled during season 2 because of its enormous production costs. Much of the material for seasons 3 and 4 was used in the final episodes of the second season to wrap up the show. A proposed movie, to close the story lines, never materialized.
- #042
- #043
In Italy, the show aired at 9 PM on public television, instead of midnight or later, like other HBO series. For the Italian broadcast, the profanity was partially removed in the dubbing, the violence was toned down, and all instances of incest, rape, and homosexuality were removed completely. Scenes with full frontal male nudity were replaced with alternate takes with the actors in loincloths or towels. After parents complained about the time slot, a disclaimer was added stating that the series was intended for adults only.
- #044
The BBC decided to condense the first three episodes into two for the British market. The network claimed much of the exposition was unnecessary because British viewers are more familiar with Roman history than American audiences. Director Michael Apted, who learned about the changes by accident, said the network had probably edited the episodes to put more focus on the violence and sex, at the expense of the story. The uncut first season was aired later, along with the second season.
- #045
- #046
- #047
- #048
The makers were determined to create a more genuine and gritty depiction of classic Rome than movies such as Gladiator (2000) had done, which presented a shiny and prosperous version that they referred to as "HollyRome." Historic consultant and series co-producer Jonathan Stamp stated that they did thorough research to be as authentic as possible, even though they strived for "authenticity rather than accuracy" since they were not making a documentary.
- #049
- #050
Five seasons were planned before the first season aired. However, the series was cancelled in its second season due to massive production costs. Much of the material for the third and fourth seasons was used in the final episodes of the second season to complete the series. A proposed film to close out the story was never made.
- #051
The series was planned for five seasons before its first season had even aired. However, due to the extremely high production costs, it was cancelled in its second season. Much of the material prepared for the third and fourth seasons was used in the final episodes of the second season to wrap up the story. A proposed film project to tie up the story was never realized.
- #052
Producers were determined to create a more realistic and harsh depiction of Ancient Rome, in contrast to the glossy and opulent 'HollyRome' version offered by films such as Gladiator (2000). Historical consultant and co-producer Jonathan Stamp stated that they were not making a documentary but were pursuing 'authenticity rather than accuracy,' and said they conducted extensive research to be as authentic as possible.
- #053
- #054
The BBC decided to compress the first three episodes into two for the UK market. The channel claimed that many explanations were unnecessary because British viewers were more familiar with Roman history than Americans. Director Michael Apted, who learned of the changes by chance, said the channel had likely cut the episodes to make them violence- and sex-oriented, to the detriment of the story. The uncut first season was later released together with the second season.
- #055
In Italy, the series aired at 9 p.m. on state television, not at midnight or later like other HBO productions. For the Italian broadcast, profanity was partially removed in the dubbing, violence was reduced, and all scenes involving incest, rape and homosexuality were deleted entirely. Scenes featuring full frontal male nudity were replaced with alternative shots in which the actors wore loincloths or towels. After parents complained about the broadcast time, a warning was added stating that the series was intended for adults only.
- #056
- #057
- #058
Fifty-five local extras were chosen as 'Roman Legionaries' and sent to a two-week boot camp where they lived in tents and trained like Roman soldiers. The training included military discipline (rising at 5 a.m., lights out at 9 p.m.), marching, sword handling, pitching and striking camp, group drills and maneuvers (day and night training). Bathing was done at night in a local lake without soap. Forty-three extras completed the boot camp.
- #059
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- #062
- #063
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- #065
- #066
- #067
- #068
- #069
The main characters Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo take their names from real historical figures. In Caesar's Gallic War, they are mentioned as two close associates who disagreed over each other's courage and over promotion to the rank of Primus Pilus. Their bravery when Marcus Tullius Cicero's brother was besieged is especially emphasized. Pullo's recklessness is also noted, similar to the character in the series.
- #070
- #071
The rank of Primus Pilus ('First Spear') held by Lucius Vorenus is roughly the equivalent of a modern lieutenant colonel in a Roman legion. Primus Pilus was the highest rank an ordinary legionary could reach through promotion, and he commanded the legion's First Cohort. The commander of a legion would usually be a Tribune appointed by the Senate or a Consul, or later a Legatus, and would be of the patrician class or at least the equestrian class. Though not the commander, the Primus Pilus, a professional soldier, would have his advice taken very seriously by the legion's commander.
- #072
Polly Walker admitted she was a little nervous about playing fully nude. "The sex scenes were hard. Luckily both James [Purefoy] and Lee [Boardman] were very nice men and made it easier for me. But you still have to take your clothes off," she said. "I thought about it a lot, but I didn't think these scenes were titillating, I didn't have to play a sex kitten. It was quite shocking, but they always had a purpose; the character was trying to achieve something. So I had to accept it because it was about the character and I had to accept all aspects of that; I had to do it."
- #073
Polly Walker's character Atia has a scene in which she summons her twelve-year-old son Octavian (Max Pirkis) to chat with her while she is naked in the bath. In real life Polly has two children, and at the time the series aired one of them was exactly 12. "I'm not naturally an exhibitionist. It wasn't easy and it's not something my children should watch; I certainly won't be encouraging my family to watch - but I'm sure they will!" Polly said with a grin at the time.
- #074
- #075
- #076
- #077
- #078
Five seasons were planned before the first season had even aired. However, due to the very high production costs, it was cancelled in its second season. Much of the material prepared for the third and fourth seasons was used in the final episodes of the second season to wrap up the story. A proposed film project to tie up the story never came to fruition.
- #079
The producers were determined to create a more realistic and harsh depiction of Ancient Rome, in contrast to the glossy, opulent 'HollyRoma' version offered by films such as Gladiator (2000). Historical consultant and co-producer Jonathan Stamp stated that they were not making a documentary but were pursuing 'authenticity rather than accuracy', and said they conducted extensive research to be as authentic as possible.
- #080
The BBC decided to compress the first three episodes into two for the UK market. The channel claimed that many explanations were unnecessary because British viewers are more familiar with Roman history than Americans. Director Michael Apted, who learned of the changes by chance, said the channel had likely cut the episodes to make them more focused on violence and sex, to the detriment of the story. The uncut first season was later released together with the second season.
- #081
In Italy, the series aired at 9 p.m. on state television, rather than at midnight or later like other HBO productions. For the Italian broadcast, profanity was partially removed in the dubbing, violence was reduced, and all scenes involving incest, rape and homosexuality were deleted entirely. Scenes featuring full frontal male nudity were replaced with alternative shots in which the actors wore loincloths or towels. After parents complained about the broadcast time, a warning was added stating that the series was intended for adults only.
- #082
- #083
- #084
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- #086
- #087
- #088
Behind the Scenes (39)
- #089
- #090
- #091
- #092
Polly Walker admitted she was a bit nervous about baring her all. "The sex scenes were difficult. Fortunately both James [Purefoy] and Lee [Boardman] were such lovely guys they made it easy for me. But you still have to get your kit off," she said. "I um-ed and ah-ed, but I didn't feel that they were titillating scenes, that I was having to play a sex kitten. It was pretty shocking, but they were always for a reason, she was always trying to achieve something by doing it. So I had to go with it because it's about the character and I had to accept all aspects of that; I had to do it."
- #093
- #094
Fifty-five local extras were cast as Roman Legionaries and sent to a two-week boot camp, living in tents, to train as Roman soldiers. Training included military discipline (waking at 5 a.m., bed by 9 p.m.), marching, swordsmanship, camp building and dismantling, group training, and maneuvers (day and night time training). Bathing was restricted to the local lake, without soap, at night. Forty-three extras completed the boot camp.
- #095
The character of Attia, played by Polly Walker, has a scene where she's standing fully naked, encouraging her twelve-year-old son Octavian, played by Max Pirkis, to come and chat while she's in the bath. In real life, Polly has two children, one of whom was exactly 12 years old when the series came out. "I'm not naturally exhibitionistic at all. It wasn't easy and not something that my children will be watching and I certainly won't be encouraging my family to watch it - but I'm sure they will!" Polly said at the time with a wry smile.
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- #113
Fifty-five local extras were selected as 'Roman Legionaries' and sent to a two-week boot camp, where they lived in tents and trained like Roman soldiers. The training included military discipline (waking at 5 a.m., lights out at 9 p.m.), marching, sword handling, pitching and striking camp, group drills and maneuvers (day and night training). Bathing could be done at night in a local lake without soap. Forty-three extras completed the boot camp.
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Characters & Cast (23)
- #128
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- #130
- #131
Fifty-five local extras were cast as "Roman Legionaries" and sent to a two-week boot camp, living in tents, to train as Roman soldiers. Training included military discipline (waking at 5 a.m., bed by 9 p.m.), marching, swordsmanship, camp building and dismantling, group training, and maneuvers (day and night time training). Bathing was restricted to the local lake, without soap, at night. Forty-three extras completed the boot camp.
- #132
The character of Attia, played by Polly Walker, has a scene where she's standing fully naked, encouraging her twelve-year-old son Octavian, played by Max Pirkis, to come and chat while she's in the bath. In real life, Polly has two children, one of whom was exactly 12 years old when the series came out. ""I'm not naturally exhibitionistic at all. It wasn't easy and not something that my children will be watching and I certainly won't be encouraging my family to watch it - but I'm sure they will!" Polly said at the time with a wry smile.
- #133
Fifty-five local extras were cast for the role of "Roman Legionaries" and sent to a two-week basic training camp living in tents to be trained as Roman soldiers. The training included military discipline (waking at 5 a.m., going to bed at 9 p.m.), marching, swordsmanship, pitching and striking camp, group training and maneuvers (day and night training). Washing at night without soap was limited to the local lake. Forty-three extras completed the basic training program.
- #134
There is a scene in which Attia, played by Polly Walker, stands completely naked and encourages her twelve-year-old son Octavian, played by Max Pirkis, to come and chat with her while she is in the bath. In real life, Polly has two children, one of whom was exactly 12 when the series came out. "I'm naturally not an exhibitionist at all. It wasn't easy, and it's not something my children should watch, and I certainly wouldn't encourage my family to watch it — but I'm sure they will!" Polly said at the time with a wry smile.
- #135
The main characters Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo take their names from real historical figures. In Caesar's work The Gallic War, they are mentioned as two close comrades who fell into a dispute over each other's courage and over promotion to the rank of Primus Pilus. Their bravery when Marcus Tullius Cicero's brother was besieged is especially emphasized. Pullo's audacity is also noted, similar to the character in the series.
- #136
- #137
The rank of Primus Pilus ("First Spear") held by Lucius Vorenus is roughly the equivalent of a modern lieutenant colonel in a Roman legion. The Primus Pilus was the highest rank an ordinary legionary could reach through promotion, and he commanded the legion's First Cohort. The commander of a legion would usually be a Tribune appointed by the Senate or a Consul, or later a Legatus, and would be of the patrician class or at least the equestrian class. Although he was not the commander, the advice of the Primus Pilus, a professional soldier, was taken very seriously by the legion's commander.
- #138
- #139
- #140
Polly Walker admitted she was a little nervous about playing fully nude. "The sex scenes were hard. Luckily both James [Purefoy] and Lee [Boardman] were very nice men and made my job easier. But you still have to get naked," she said. "I thought about it a lot, but I didn't think these scenes were titillating, I didn't have to play a sex kitten. It was quite shocking, but they always had a purpose; the character was trying to achieve something. So I had to accept it because it was about the character and I had to accept all aspects of it; I had to do it."
- #141
- #142
There is a scene in which the character Atia, played by Polly Walker, calls her twelve-year-old son Octavian (Max Pirkis) to chat with her while she is naked in the bath. In real life Polly has two children, and at the time the series aired one of them was exactly 12. "I'm not naturally an exhibitionist. It wasn't easy and it's not something for my children to watch; I certainly won't encourage my family to watch it - but I'm sure they will!" Polly said with a grin at the time.
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Easter Eggs & References (3)
Deeper Meaning (9)
- #154
The Primus Pilus, or "First Spear" of a Roman legion, the rank held by Lucius Vorenus, was the rough equivalent of a modern lieutenant colonel. Primus Pilus was typically the highest rank an ordinary legionnaire would achieve by promotion, and he would be in command the First Cohort of the legion. A legion's commander would typically be a Tribune, or later a Legate, appointed by either the Senate or Consul, and who would be a patrician or at least a member of the equestrian order. Though not the commander, the advice of a Primus Pilus, a professional soldier, would be taken very seriously by the legion commander.
- #155
- #156
The main characters, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, are named after real-life historical figures. They are mentioned in Caesar's The Gallic War as two close partners with quarrels between them about each other's bravery and who is to be promoted Primus Pilus. They are mentioned as explicitly courageous when Marcus Tullius Cicero's brother was besieged. The audacity of Pullo is also noted, similar to the Pullo in the series.
- #157
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Career & Awards (7)
Life & Family (1)
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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