The grandeur and legacy of ancient Rome have fascinated historians, scholars, and enthusiasts for centuries. In her compelling documentary series Eight Days That Made Rome, British historian Bettany Hughes takes viewers on a captivating journey through eight pivotal moments that shaped the course of the Roman Empire. This series, first aired in 2017, provides a masterful blend of historical analysis, archaeological evidence, and dramatic reconstructions to bring Rome's defining events to life.

Bettany Hughes: A Passion for History

Bettany Hughes, a historian, author, and broadcaster, has built a reputation for making history accessible to a wide audience. Specializing in ancient and medieval history, Hughes has authored numerous books and presented various television series. Her ability to weave historical narratives with modern-day relevance makes her an ideal guide to Rome’s most defining days. With Eight Days That Made Rome, Hughes invites viewers to explore history through a personal and analytical lens, revealing how singular events influenced an empire that lasted over a millennium.

The Eight Pivotal Days

Each episode of Eight Days That Made Rome focuses on a transformative moment in Roman history. While the series covers a vast time span, Hughes carefully selects key events that had a profound and lasting impact on Rome’s evolution. Below are the eight crucial days examined in the series:

1. Hannibal’s Defeat at Zama (202 BCE)

   • The battle of Zama marked Rome’s decisive victory over Carthage in the Second Punic War. Hannibal, Rome’s greatest enemy, was finally defeated, paving the way for Rome’s dominance in the Mediterranean.

2. The Murder of Julius Caesar (44 BCE)

   • The assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March heralded the collapse of the Roman Republic and set the stage for the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus.

3. The Accession of Augustus (27 BCE)

   • Octavian, later known as Augustus, transformed Rome from a republic into an empire, initiating a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.

4. The Great Fire of Rome (64 CE)

   • One of the most infamous disasters in Rome’s history, the fire devastated large parts of the city. Emperor Nero’s alleged response and his persecution of Christians afterward had lasting political and social repercussions.

5. The Opening of the Colosseum (80 CE)

   • The Flavian Amphitheater, known today as the Colosseum, symbolized Rome’s architectural and engineering prowess while showcasing the brutal gladiatorial spectacles that defined Roman entertainment.

6. The Invasion of Britain (43 CE)

   • Emperor Claudius’ conquest of Britain extended Rome’s influence to the northernmost reaches of its empire, integrating Britannia into the Roman world.

7. The Conversion of Constantine (312 CE)

   • The vision of the cross before the Battle of Milvian Bridge led Constantine the Great to embrace Christianity, setting the stage for Rome’s transformation into a Christian empire.

8. The Fall of Rome (476 CE)

   • The deposition of the last Western Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus, marked the symbolic end of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the medieval era. shutdown123