Rome - The Complete First Season (DVD, 2006, 6-Disc Set)

Set back in Ancient Roman times about 50 years or so before the birth of Christianity Gaius Julius Caesar conquered Gaul after an eight year bloody battle. That was only one war he had to fight. The other was to be when he returned home to Rome. If you are into Ancient World History, then this is the series to see. Starting when Caesar was a Conquering General on to leader of the Roman Republic where the Senate considers him to be a Tyrant and takes matters into there own hands. Where the man who transformed Rome would be killed by the ones he trusted most.

Some Actors in the Series include:

Ciaran Hinds as Gaius Julius Caesar
James Purefoy as Mark Antony
Kevin McKidd as Lucius Vorenus
Ray Stevenson as Titus Pullo
Tobias Menzies as Marcus Junius Brutus
Kenneth Cranham as Pompey Magnus
Max Pirkis as Gaius Octavian
Indira Varma as Niobe
Polly Walker as Atia of the Julii


Season 1 Episodes include:

01 The Stolen Eagle

02 How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic

03 An Owl In a Thornbush

04 Stealing From Saturn

05 The Ram Has Touched The Wall

06 Egeria

07 Pharsalus

08 Caesarion

09 Utica

10 Triumph

11 The Spoils

12 Kalends of February


This show has it all: Sex, Violence, Great Acting, and Great Writing !!

Dont miss out on buying this Season 1 DVD Set on eBay !!

Hail Caesar !!

I love ROME! It's a great historical telenovela with all the traps and trimmings of love, friendship, betrayal, incest, conquest and intrigue which one should expect of those decandent ancients! If you are familiar with any basic history of Julius Caesar's rise to power and the end of Republican Rome you'll love it. Even if you don't but enjoy good soap operas you will enjoy it as well. If you have seen "I Claudius" this is a must see as a prequel. There's no dry history here. Sure, it's not all gospel acurate history but who cares? What makes up for any inacuracies are attention to realistic cultural aspects of everyday life which leave one full of fascination and wonderment of the Roman's life and times. Basically, it's a fun trip to the past! FOUR STARS

I have really enjoyed this series. My husband teaches history and his specialization is ancient civilizations/empires. This was a gift for him, but we have both enjoyed it. I usually struggle to sit through the History Channel specials on Rome/Greece/etc. (which he loves to watch) but not in this case. I was as excited about each new episode as he was, and now our dilemma is trying not to fly through the first season DVDs too quickly.

It is definitely not appropriate for children or even teenagers as it has several intensely graphic scenes (both for violence and sexuality). I'm not sure I would even have it in the house if we had young children. It is, however, very historically accurate and well filmed. I would highly reccomend this series.

Watch this one and you've got to keep reminding yourself that it's NOT a major motion picture with a nearly unlimited budget, because that's what it surely "plays" like. It has a subtle style of playing certain disturbing scenes quickly, jumping in with little build-up. I LOVE that, because after all, THAT IS what life is like sometimes, one minute you're on top of the world, the next you're getting ground into the dirt. Rome ground a LOT of people beneath it's wheels, and this show doesn't hesitate to show us this. It'll grab you up and you'll watch all these DVD's as quick as you can.

I love these century period shows and Rome is right up my alley with the history and back drop, it just makes you feel as if you are there. Making the show on location is a big plus for me I visited Rome 2 years ago and the intrigue behind the old buildings and landscape was captivating, Even though the series is based on the history of Rome, some of the events I can remember from world history class and some I believe as to be far fetched just to keep the story exciting, but to me Rome is GREAT, The one show on HBO all the family can watch together well teens and adults anyway!! Not recommended for small children,But id you are a Ancient History Buff you need to check this show out.

This is an ingenious creation by HBO that will suck you right in, so be prepared to sit through hours of sex and violence, loving it all the while. HBO continues to impress me with its immensely satisfying and often profoundly deep programming. But whereas Six Feet Under (my ultimate favorite) was for liberal-oriented people (in my opinion), Rome can unite the conservatives and liberals in their rejoicing in the blood guts and passion of a seemingly real-life Rome. And as with Six Feet Under I was never reminded that this is a TV show with actors playing the parts, it had me hypnotized from beginning to end. (Having no commercials is a dream come true but...I gotta go to the bathroom! no problem with the DVDs though!) I'm very sensitive to bad acting and these people are a talented lot that we will see more of in the future no doubt. This is a soap opera in disguise of historical fiction, and it covers all planes perfectly. The characters change sides on a regular basis but what else could give it more reality...? Ok maybe it's a little extreme but it all makes so much sense while you're watching! And I have to say one more thing...I'm also someone who considers violence on TV as part of "what's wrong with our society" but, ahem, I overlooked it for this awesome show. To call it "entertaining" is almost a joke, Rome is a world unto itself.

To anyone familiar with the history of the last years of the Roman Republic and its' transition to the Roman Empire all the names of the major players are as well known as our own. Gaius Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, Gaius Pompey Magnus, Gaius Brutus, Cassius, Gaius Octavian, Cicero and so on, were the stuff of high school classes in Western Civ and any number of media productions since. The story has been told and retold accurately and well, a la History Channel, and not so accurately and not so well, a la movies like "Cleopatra" and "Julius Caesar" to name a few. Colleen McCullough's magnificent historical novels covering much the same period, while a real achievement and a treat to read, can be heavy going for someone looking for "light" entertainment.
Now comes HBO's "Rome". Produced in conjunction with the BBC and rumoured to be one of the most expensive projects ever undertaken for the small screen, "Rome" remains true to the historical record and is immensly entertaining television in it's own right.
Season one takes us from the conclusion of Caesar's Gallic wars, through the civil war with Pompey, and up to his eventual assassination. The series follows not only the major characters whose names we know, but two ordinary legionaries and their lives in a turbulent time. These parallel stories do intersect at many points but remain seperate enough to hold our interest individually. The story of the two legionaries, whose names Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus are real and come directly from Caesar's commentaries as soldiers who saved each other's lives, is used to show us the everyday life of a Roman citizen - warts, violence, amorality, uncertainty and all. The performences here are so well done that it is impossible not to like these two "odd couple" characters and, in some respects, theirs is the more interesting story.
Beautifully photographed, lavishly set, well acted and well paced, "Rome" is a feast for the eyes and well worth the time spent to view it.
Personally, I am not in the habit of purchasing DVD sets of television series I have already seen. "Rome: Season One" has been an exception.
As I write this, Season Two is already two episodes old and is promising to be as good or even better than the first. Should it continue as it has started, I will need to save space on my bookshelf for the Season Two DVD set when that becomes available. My only disappointment has been the announcement by HBO that, due to the prohibitive costs of producing a series like "Rome", there will be no Season Three.

I bought this DVD boxed set as a Christmas gift for my father who is a retired high school history teacher. I would highly recommend it. My father even pointed out how the Roman infantry rotates their front line in one of the episodes where there is a battle. There are many historically accurate details that make this series a treat for history buffs. Just keep in mind this is a HBO series and is a little racy, so it may not be suitable for younger children. Thanks.

Typical of HBO programming, this is a gritty, real-feeling series. It seems destined for an early grave as a series however, since the second season is apparently the last season scripted...

The first season introduces starring personalities whose lives are entwined in the twisted, demented, violent, and empirical pursuits of Rome as a nation, with episodic glimpses into the lives of each character. From Legionnaries to Centurions to Generals; from the highest of society and the cream of the Roman crop to the lowest, most wretched servants and slaves, the viewer is offered several perspectives and insightful prose into the effects on ancient, everyday life that we now study as defining moments in history. Noted personalities include Gaius Julius Ceasar and his co-regent Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus Pompey the Great, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and her fated lover Marcus Antonius, the young Octavian ans his scheming, sadistic mother Atia, and the only two soldiers whose identities were named specifically by Ceasar in his personal diaries, Legionnaries Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus - by far the most dynamic characters in the series.

This isn't one you'll want to share with your kids unless they are old enough to understand that the nudity is in context to the historical and factual Roman conventions, and there are several instances of full frontal nudity, brutality, extreme violence and warfare, in addition to other various lewd behaviors throughout the series. I didn't find any of these instances gratuitous based on the context of the world and current events of the day; if you made it through Gladiator (Russell Crowe, 2000), you'll probably be just fine.

Director's interviews and special features on the DVDs include shot by shot walkthroughs of the spectacular execution-turned-arena-fight in episode 11, a walkthrough of the cast, dozens of images not released previously, and 8 interview sessions with cast members and directors. The box set is comprised of a hinged, decorative wooden case containing a 5-section fold-out and 5 DVDs, a fold-out character introduction card (cast), and assorted other survey and marketing forms.

If you liked The Sopranos or Deadwood as I did, I suspect you'll like this series as well; I never watched Oz, but I'm told by Oz fans that they tended to like it as well.

Happy viewing!

I have been recently studying this period of time and comparing our present(United State) political, moral,and economic situation with that of Rome. Athough the series is basically accurat, it was interesting consider addition information that is not in the history books but might have happened. Its a great series and would recommend 1. owning your own copy for review purposes. 2.owning your own copy of the history channel's "julius Caesar's Rome.3. getting a copy of Julius Caesar staring Marlin Brando.4.The Fall of Rome the movie and the book. All great movies about this period of history. Anthony Bryant Sr.

I have watched Rome from the beginning and could not wait to add the DVDs to my home collection. I am looking forward the Complete Second Season.
I think the writing is very well done. I particularly enjoy the role the women play in manipulating history.
The acting is great. The scenery and costumes are fantastic.
Every episode has left me surprised - it is amazing how unpredictable the characters and stories can be even though it is about the Roman history.
I like the little side stories and twists.
I recommend purchasing the Rome series.

This has to be one of the best series HBO has put out well worth the price. even though the story is fiction the historical events are based on fact. so the viewer gets a history lesson as well as an insight into Roman culture. The acting is superb you can't wait to see what happen in the next episode.This series should win many awards for it's realism and great story line. I was very sorry to hear that there will only be two seasons of Rome because it was an expensive series to make but these DVD should make a good collectors series.

Rome is an excellent, well documented HBO production. It combines history with entertainment and will have you at the edge of your seat coming back for more. A fantastic show, well worth your viewing.

This is one of the best series put to small screen by HBO. Yes, this is a drama, but the story line is outstanding setting id one of the best yet.

I bought ROME on DVD because I was obsessed with it on HBO but did not have the opportunity to watch it as much as I liked. ROME plays out very much like a 12 hour long movie with a deep story. I love the history behind ancient Rome and the the DVD proved to be historical but also beautiful in set design and costumes. The stories are excellent, but sometimes drag at points. The DVD is quite violent and graphic and I would not recommend it for the squeamish or anyone under 17. If you have a love for ancient culture, war movies, and a deep action based story line, you will love to own ROME on DVD.

I watched the first season of Rome on HBO and thoroughly enjoyed it--just as I am enjoying the second season now. It is very faitful to historical accounts of Julius Ceaser's battles. Wow, the women of Rome! Talk about "players." The men can't even compare when it comes to backstabbing and political machinations! I would give a warning, though, that is a lot of nudity, graphic sex, bad language and graphic violence so if that isn't your cup of tea you might want to pass on this series. If that doesn't bother you, though, pop the popcorn and sit back for a wild ride as Julius Ceaser takes Rome--and Rome hits back!

Another great show from HBO! I love the idea of centering the show around ancient Rome, as I've travelled there and like History a lot. I confess that I did have to study the character guide that came with the box set to really keep focused for the first couple of episodes, but it was well worth it!

Very easy transaction! Great communication with buyer. Received exactly what I purchased, in the condition stated.

It took a very short time for me to recieve my purchase. When I did recieve it, I was very satisfied. It was exactly as described,if not better. I decieded to buy it because it was a great deal.

Excellant show with a great storyline and superb acting. The costumes and settings are very realistic. I Highly recommend it.

Great Series from HBO. More coming out this year. My husband loves this and I found it for a great cost on eBay!

Loved everything! When will the next season be available? Loved everything! When will the next season be available? Loved everything! When will the next season be available?

I HAVE YET TO RECIEVE IT.I HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM THE SELLER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM.
WHERE'S A PHONE NUMBER TO CALL AND DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM WITH AN EBAY REP?
I'M BEING REQUIRED TO JUMP THROUGH A LOT OF HOOPS AND I DON'T LIKE IT.BLAH,BLAH,BLAH.