The Hindu : New Delhi News : Spotlight on power, pomp and conflict of Rome

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jun 03, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

Spotlight on power, pomp and conflict of Rome

Madhur Tankha

NEW DELHI: Rome's emperors, saints and architectural marvels come alive this month with The History Channel all set to air a special series and four films focusing on the ancient and powerful civilisation every Saturday and Sunday.

The series, titled "Rome: Engineering An Empire", and four films - "Augustus", "St. Peter", "Nero" and "Spartacus" -- will highlight the power, grandeur and conflict of Rome.

Ruled by visionaries and tyrants whose accomplishments ranged from awe-inspiring to deplorable, the powerful empire's glimpses can be seen in these films. Viewers will also get to see the riveting life of Emperor Augustus, the dynamic emperor of Rome, in the movie "Augustus". Starring internationally renowned actor Peter O' Toole as Emperor Augustus, the film will be premiered this Saturday, June 3, at 8 p.m.

The first part of the "Rome: Engineering An Empire" series will also be premiered on tonight 3 at 10 p.m., while the second part will be premiered on Sunday at the same time.

The two-hour series chronicles the rich history of the Roman Empire from the reign of Caesar to its eventual fall detailing the remarkable works of architecture and technology that helped Rome leave an indelible mark on the world.

"St. Peter" will be shown on June 10 in which Omar Sharif will play the part of the saint who changed Roman history. On June 17 will be shown "Nero", depicting his transformation from a pragmatic ruler and an aesthete into a tyrant who allegedly burned much of Rome to the ground to make room for a new palace.

"Spartacus", to be premiered on the channel on June 24, stars Goran Visnjic and Rhona Mitra. It depicts a legendary slave's rise from a gladiator to a hero.

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