Rome: Rise & Fall Of An Empire, The Puppet Master

Follow the story of General Marius, who transformed the Roman army and sent shock waves through the Republic of Rome by offering an ultimatum: dictatorship or annihilation.

When Roman generals Pompey and Crassus lead their mighty legions of soldiers and mercenaries into the lands surrounding Italy, neither could anticipate the turmoil caused by one bold mercenary - Spartacus.

Over-powerful generals and money corrupt the Roman Republic, the empire churns with civil war, and violence and murder run rampant in the streets. Julius Caesar, desperate for fame and honour, embarks on a brutal decade-long campaign to annex Gaul and build his own reputation.

As the Roman Empire expands its reaches into what is now Germany, its legions are faced with ferocious Germanic tribesmen.

It is 47 AD. The new emperor Claudius is considered by many to be the village idiot and can only hang onto his throne by waging a spectacular conquest. He chooses Britannia, a legendary land which fascinates and inspires fear in the Romans.

As expansive military campaigns and raids by Dacian tribes begin to test the Roman Empire's finances, pressure builds on Emperor Domitian.

In 162 AD, Marcus Aurelius inherits a rapidly growing Roman Empire, embroiled in a war on two fronts. But can he bring peace and prosperity back to the Empire?

With the civil war raging on, there's a new challenge ahead for Rome: the rise of the new religion of Christianity. The Empire is invaded by the Goths.

With an empire ripped apart by civil war, Rome welcomes an extraordinary new emperor: Aurelian, who has risen from the rank of soldier to fight back against the barbarians and restore peace in his city.

A new emperor with a huge vision and undeniable power slowly gains control of the entire Roman empire following the end of the civil wars.

Violence erupts as the Romans and Barbarians try to co-exist in the empire. The Goths rebel under the leadership of Alaric, a man they call king.

With Roman rulers now at the mercy of the barbarians, three Roman generals compete to become emperor - but one's savage strategy comes out on top.

The series ends with a look at the demise of the Roman Empire. Despite efforts from the last emperor, the Romans become outnumbered by foreign invaders.