In 80 AD Emperor Titus opens the Colosseum with 100 days of spectacular games, including one of the most famous gladiatorial matches in Rome's history. Two gladiators, the barbarian Priscus, and Rome's champion, Verus, must now fight to the death.

When master builder Haterius constructs the Colosseum from the ashes of Nero's Golden House, his work is far from over. New Emperor Domitian tasks him with adding a complex network of underground tunnels: the hypogeum.

The Roman Empire continues to expand; so does the diversity of exotic beasts brought back. Over a million animals are slaughtered on the sands of the arena by trained beast masters. Can Carpophorus survive the challenge against 20 wild creatures?

When the Emperor Trajan throws his great games, the crowd is treated to a spectacle: female gladiators. The combatants are typically prisoners of war, but in one game, a Roman woman named Mevia makes history and decides to fight in the arena.

Bishop Ignatius of Antioch is part of a growing underground religion threatening Roman traditions: Christianity. Will his execution send a message, or spread the word of Christ further than Trajan could have anticipated?

One of the most famous doctor/scientists of the ancient world, Galen of Pergamon makes a name for himself as a physician for gladiators in the arena. This episode marks a turning point in the series, beginning the long period of Rome's decline.

All of Rome's emperors have put great value on spectacles and games, but only one steps out of the Imperial Box and onto the arena: Commodus. As the empire crumbles, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, centred around Rome's great amphitheatre.

By the 4th century AD, the Roman Empire is devastated by invasions and religious divides. The Colosseum, which once stood as a symbol of the Empire's glory, lies empty. To restore Rome, a devout worshipper of Rome's old gods turns to the arena.