In Ancient Rome, the influential culture is vividly brought to life thanks to some gripping drama-documentary reconstructions. During the course of the series, viewers can see during the course of the series how Nero (played by Michael Sheen) lost his mind and took Rome to the brink of ruin, Caesar overthrew a 500-year-old republic, how Constantine reunited the Empire with military might and Christianity, and how the Goths sacked Rome, essentially ending the western Empire.

Meanwhile Hannibal, another drama-documentary reconstruction, explores the famous warrior's military campaign to beat the Romans by marching his army 1,500 miles across the Alps, aided by 37 elephants.

In Egypt and Antony And Cleopatra, the other great ancient civilization is uncovered, with every aspect of the great North African empire explored, including the infamous love affair between one of Rome's favourite sons and Egypt's greatest Queen.