History Buffs: Rome Season One

[@HistoryBuffs]

Sorry guys! I flubbed a lIne and made a huge mistake!! At 16:15 I said in 54 BC when I should have said 44BC. Caesar died in 44BC! I am so sorry about this. I can't fix it with an annotation because KZbin doesn't have that anymore. Again sorry about this :(

[@ech78928]

History Buffs Can you do an episode on Barry Lyndon?

[@unteroffitzierschultz4288]

I actually just started to watch this video; you don't need to apologize as we all make mistakes. :)

[@Watheverable]

History Buffs I've been waiting for this for so long! BTW, could you recommend me a good book on assiriology? Cheers from Portugal!

[@XxMrDudexX]

Et tu, Nick?

[@YiannissB.]

No problem, at least the british know roman history and saw through it at once! It would be nice to review one the russian war films that are coming out lately, like stalingrad. They are nice in spectacle (the kremlin pours much money on the budget) but inacurate in many parts. Maybe you should debuf some stuff. But the movie i really really really want you t do next is the turkish war film "fatih 1453". It too has smoe nice scenery, but my god is it historicaly dreadful! We really need you to review this one!

[@feynstein1004]

This is fake. Caesar was a small red square commanding other small squares

[@saucedbiscuits2469]

Do you happen to be a fan of a certain Historia Civillis

[@feynstein1004]

@Saucedbiscuits 24 I most certainly do :)

[@sjappiyah4071]

Feynstein 100 history civilis led me here 😂

[@feynstein1004]

@Samuel Appiah Mah man (tips Roman helmet) :D

[@TheRealBamboonga]

Why was this cancelled? I mean...other than the fact that nobody knew it existed until afterward... Man...this show got Fireflied in the cornhole with no lube...

[@huskaroar6869]

The dude who played Mark Anthony gave one hell of a performance. Vicious, wild, volatile, quick of temper and gruffy AF. He had me convinced that he was the real Mark Anthony.

[@-----REDACTED-----]

James Purefoy

[@glol1097]

Antony *

[@huskaroar6869]

@@glol1097 *Antonius

[@glol1097]

@@huskaroar6869 Marcus *

[@WeAreNotAmused]

Oh yeah he was meant to be mark antony curly haired and goatish in his manner and nature an ambitious and ferocious and was more than willing to fight for his ambition driven by his self love

[@bashkillszombies]

Imagine if HBO's Rome actually covered all this stuff over ten seasons instead of two. It'd would have been amazing!

[@calderarecords]

Yeah it was the BBC who fucked it all up. They retracted funding & never promoted it because it has naughty things in it that the Grannies who pay their license do not like. Rome thwarted by the Brits again.

[@calderarecords]

@@mrflibble9783 These are great programs hampered & dumbed down by the BBC who prefer to purloin production costs to top up their expenses. HBO committed to GOT & as a result it has become the Crown Jewels! #CancelTVLicense

[@SRosenberg203]

@Dead Signal That shit is so irritating. I remember being in college, around 2007-2008, and getting mercilessly mocked by a number of my fraternity brothers for reading this weird fantasy book called "A Feast For Crows". Fast-forward to 2013, and every one of them is the biggest Game of Thrones fan on the internet. Fucking hypocrites. This comes off as being a lot more bitter than I actually feel. I find it mildly irritating, but more amusing than anything else, to see this shift in what is considered "cool" and what isn't.

[@khal7702]

@@aewhatever I bet many more people discovered history do to 300 so it's ok as long as people know it's fiction

[@oldm9228]

Nah, it's fine the way it is. The fast pace of the history in the show is contrasted with its rich detail and the great interpersonal drama (which is the real meat of this show). The history is properly used as a stage for building dramatic interest. More focus on history would have slowed down the drama.

[@TheBerylknight]

Ciaran Hinds was incredible as Caesar in this. That he didn't get tons of awards is a travesty. I can say it's one of the greatest performances I've ever seen.

[@deaneflannery3881]

Even James purefoy and Lindsay Duncan. stellar acting

[@Literarydilettante]

Everyone was spectacular, but now whenever I imagine Caesar and Antony, I see Hinds and Purefoy.

[@pinchevulpes]

He IS Caesar

[@evanlavery9788]

He was a consul of Rome!

[@chepesantacruz777]

Marcus Antnoius by Purefoy was even better

[@subjectd6985]

"Rome" was doing what "Game of Thrones" would get praised for being ground breaking years earlier. Game of Thrones owes a lot to Rome. Cersai ain't got shit on Atia.

[@peg202xo7]

Polly Walker was fabulous as Atia. Loved her!

[@YouCanCallMeReTro]

GRRM said he watched Rome and loved it, though he was only a consultant on the show.

[@dragan3659]

@@YouCanCallMeReTro to be fair he wrote the books before Rome

[@reaper411b]

Look at the comment above you; I literally just said the same thing. Rise and Fall of Rome 100%

[@Killzoneguy117]

Atia would eat Cersei alive. I mean all things considered, Atia was absolutely hardcore.

[@sdsd-ne9hg]

Can you imagine if Rome was made today with the budget of Game of Thrones, that i would want to see.

[@waliddrissi8370]

it was already a big budget show each episode costed up to 15 million dollar

[@Xerkrosis]

Game of Thrones just learned from Rome how to better manage the budget. Without Rome, it might have not been that successful.

[@arthas640]

@@Xerkrosis plus Rome was used as an example of how a bigger budget show could succeed. Rome was at the time one of the biggest budgeted TV series of all time (if not THE biggest budget), which is especially amazing since the other contenders usually were series that had already been out for a few years so the budget was mostly to pay off the big star of the show like the cast of Friends or Ray Romano on Everybody Loves Raymond. Rome was kind of unique in that it was spending $9mil per episode right out the gate, which even today makes it one of the top 10 most expensive TV series of all time. Later shows like The Pacific and GoT used Rome as a benchmark as well as inspiration, we'd probably see FAR fewer big budget TV series outside of sitcoms like the Big Bang Theory.

[@boris2342]

they would just spend the extra $$$ on superstar actors and action figures

[@CommanderSuberox]

Rome was more expensive than GoT which was a problem to why the show didn’t last.

[@RzK084]

Such an incredible show. SO disappointed it got canceled after only 2 seasons. Had the potential to be an all time great show.

[@taroman7100]

why? the second season with exception of first episode was trash. it veered off the tracks completely degenerating into soft porn and the murder of Vorenus was disgraceful.

[@SefniAsheforr]

@@taroman7100 They had to condense decades of history into 1 season with the second since the show was cancelled. That's the only reason that season 2 was uneven. Else, it would have been as brilliant as season 1.

[@OddityDK]

Joanie Adams Season 2 was 4 planned seasons jammed in to one. Considering how much they had to discard to reach the end in one season it was pretty good.

[@TheV-Man]

@@taroman7100 fucking GoT is to blame for that. It was one of the best shows I'd ever watched. What was it cancelled for? For GoT season 8?

[@timjohnson1199]

@@taroman7100 If it had not been canceled the second season would have been much better and not as chopped.

[@Bengymin]

I love how the inaccuracy isn’t the stipend the centurion gets for bribes, but the salute he gives afterwards.

[@blacktoothfox677]

it wasn't a stipend. The money is not given to him; only to use as a tool. Thus, not an allowance, wage, or gift, therefore, not a stipend. The series is actually more accurate than this odd collection of mispronunciations.

[@Bengymin]

@@blacktoothfox677 I’m pretty sure Marc Antony wasn’t expecting that money back regardless of weather or not it was used for its intended purpose.

[@blacktoothfox677]

@@Bengymin Of course, of course. But that STILL doesn't make it a stipend!

[@eddarby469]

Yea, and they used modern sewing machines for some of the hems on the extras tunics.

[@agnel47]

15:07 that fat guy reading the declarations was my favourite character from the show

[@reneedailey1696]

The Newsreader helped make the show just as much as the main-action characters- between his mannerisms, his voice, his glee with bloody news and his displeasure with the mundane, he was a delight.

[@ivetofta6084]

The mumbled bread ads were gold

[@arthas640]

Ian McNeice is one of my all time favorite "that one guy" actors. I fell in love with him during Ace Ventura and the Mummy as well as the later Rome and Doc Martin. I get excited whenever i see him in bit parts like in Midsomer Murders and White Noise too. He's a talented actor, he's done some really good dramatic characters as well as comedy roles.

[@HPalternetive]

Yeah he is a national treasure. This whole show is goated. Its 2nd might get a bit weird because of the budget and run time but even then its still ends pretty nicely. Other then that and that there aint enough budget for battle scenes.. the first season is a master piece and this whole show is just real good from start to finish.

[@sophiefriedenwald-fishman8442]

omg yes I always love his scenes! literally pumps me up so much!

[@EdNorty]

Who wants HBO to remake Rome, but this time with a GOT-budget?

[@Tony11442]

Bring back Rome!

[@connorgolden4]

Anne They could just pick up during the rule of Augustus. I recall hearing how they wanted seasons 3 and 4 to go all the way up to the birth of Christ so they were probably gonna change up the cast again so if they restarted the show they could get the main cast back and have them show actual age XD. Besides the main cast hasn't done a whole lot since then. Except the guy who played Lucius vorenus, he's done a fair bit. Convincing them shouldn't be that hard.

[@ImperatorofNewEngland]

I would prefer they focus on a less well known historical Roman figure, like Aurelian, who reunited the Roman Empire during The Crisis of the Third Century.

[@connorgolden4]

Bruinsbiggestbear That would be great as well. I’d love to see a story about such an underused Roman figure. No one ever focuses on the emperors that came after the nerva-Antonine dynasty or hell the eastern empire either. I’d love a show about Majorian, stilicho, aetius, or Justinian.

[@reav3rtm]

Rome's budget was rather big. I think one can see it.

[@hobnobhead4043]

Imagine they continued on to Caligula and Nero, we were robbed of some great performances by whoever would have played them

[@lawrencebittke8478]

The late John Hurt as Caligula in the 1976 I CLAUDIUS television series and the late Peter Ustinov portraying Nero in the 1951 movie QUO VADIS were brilliant performances.

[@Tempusverum]

Iwan Rheon would've made a great Nero

[@k.stacey7389]

@@lawrencebittke8478 John Hurt was a BRILLIANT Caligula. When I saw the first Harry Potter and he made his fabulous entrance rolling out on the library ladder as Quirrell, I loudly exclaimed “Caligula!” in the theater. A somewhat embarrassing involuntary exclamation, given that it was completely out of place and I doubt anybody had any idea wtf I was talking about. 😬

[@AverageAlien]

I say restart the show

[@psychokinrazalon]

@@k.stacey7389 You mean Ollivander?

[@jordanlindo9703]

RIP Ray Stevenson. Thanks for the perfect performance.

[@ironlady6897]

Yep, this broke my heart. Titus Pullo was a joy, and his simple ways & humor often stole the show. Way too young to be gone!

[@Argumemnon]

Pfft. Caesar didn't die. He took the black and then became king beyond the wall.

[@2HRTS1LOVE]

Argumemnon Lol! I was just thinking, that's not Caesar, that's Mance Rayder! FREEFOLK FOREVER!!! 😁😁😁

[@TheNord06]

OGSpaceCadet he was caesar for us

[@ChevyChase301]

Argumemnon then got burned alive by Stannis the Mannis

[@Isildun9]

Nah, he timed jumped, faked his way into the Dumbledore family, changed his name and became a wizard. Then he took the black and deserted to the Free Folk.

[@vraska8799]

you are all heretics!!! he is working right now in his Thunder warriors to unite Terra under his imperial rulership! i'm sure in the far bright future, there will be only peace...

[@rone9292]

A true Roman review for true Romans brought to you by the millers guild

[@LuisSierra42]

Gold

[@KeatrithAmakiir]

True roman bread, for true romans ;)

[@rafaelbogdan9307]

Slaves and freedmen not included

[@Adolphification]

brought to you by the KZbinrs guild

[@kylew.4896]

@@Adolphification true comment section fights for true meme gods

[@bluevol1976]

I always liked the town crier. He did a great job. I loved this series and it definitely was cut way too short. The battle sequences were pure art, too.

[@thatguy22441]

Oh yes the battle sequences were good. The attention to detail was amazing, and probably more expensive to do. It still sucks there weren't more, but I get it.

[@MrWepx-hy6sn]

I love how over the course of the show the small miller brothers transformed into the Capitoline Guild of Millers. Trve Bread for trve Romans

[@cm9241]

What battle sequences? You mean the low framerate slow motion montages of dudes bumping shields and flags waving?

[@Synystr7]

Fuck it. *Reinstalls Total war: Rome*

[@zachantes1161]

Synystr7 Fuck Rome 2 tho. Never playing that one again.

[@Synystr7]

I didn't say rome 2.

[@LuulitaCD]

I need to get that up and running again. I miss the Europa Barbarorum mod.

[@kekero540]

Synystr7 why the fuck did you uninstall?

[@Chrissnessable]

Eiter, Europa Barbarorum 2 for Medieval 2 is in a pretty good state right now, try it out.

[@georgejones8481]

Plebeian shouldn't be mistaken for a catch all term for poor/commoner. There were poor plebs & very rich plebs. Pompey was a plebeian. It's just a social denomination that one was born into

[@cenkuygur6841]

Yes! People not understanding Rome's hierarchy really pees me oh

[@inmate24601]

Correct. There were also very poor patricians, though obviously nowhere near as many. But yeah there were plenty of not just rich, but noble plebeians, as a great many of them attained the consulship.

[@arthas640]

Rome's social structure was kind of a mess like that, with poor Patricians that had, on paper at least, more power and influence then some plebians who had more wealth and experience. That's one thing i did love about Rome: even a poor swineherd on the edge of the empire could become an emperor and they didnt care about ethnicity or religion so long as you were Roman first. There's a reason America viewed Rome as a shining example compared to the European aristocracy where the same families that followed William the Conqueror still sat on the same seat in the House of Lords 700 years later.

[@imemberberry]

The Julii themselves were plebians, but a wealthy and respected family for generations by this point. Patrician names always died slow deaths even with little money, because they could be used by wealthy plebs to give validity to their own family names and further their position in Roman politics. Most patricians also knew this and therefore were famously terrible at money management because they always knew another lifestyle sponsor was right around the corner. Some things never change.

[@Jauhl1]

@@imemberberry No. The Julia gens was one of the most ancient of Patrician families. holding their first Consulship 25 years after the fall of the Roman kingdom. Sharing some of their Patrician splendor is why Gaius Marius married Julius Ceasar's aunt, Julia catapulting the Caesares into the Roman populist wing.

[@Razzy1312]

*Cato:* In the name of the Senate of the Republic of Rome, you're under arrest! *Caesar:* Are you threatening me Master Censor? *Cato:* The Senate will decide your fate. *Caesar:* I AM THE SENATE! *Cato:* Not yet. *Caesar:* It's treason then. *Caesar crosses the Pomerium*

[@fede98k54]

I see you're a man of culture as well...

[@mysticdragonwolf89]

I believe Cato was Tribune of the Plebs....

[@lanncraster5372]

Hahaha. If only Revenge of the Sith was as Epic as the real life fall of the Roman Rep. to an Empire

[@kaisermoneybags4450]

it pretty much sums it up in fantasy though...

[@vassilyvodka2638]

@@mysticdragonwolf89 He was a senator(a strong believer in republicanism) where as Marcus Antonius was a tribune pleb and also Pompeius Magnus was a pleb.

[@shadowxxe]

Julius caesar: *does something* *_THE SENATE DIDN'T LIKE THAT_*

[@shadowxxe]

@@TonecrafteLuthiery something like that

[@nuralibolataev4474]

@@TonecrafteLuthiery based Ceasar

[@firesidehalo1554]

“I am the senate”-ceasar maybe

[@RhodokTribesman]

Every action he did was pushing a precedent and breaking yet another function of the Republic's government so it wasnt unfounded, he was a tyrant

[@ThrillaWhale]

@@TonecrafteLuthiery “Allies” is a hilariously generous term. And there’s not a single person in the senate that would have cared an ounce about about gallic casualties, any more than any of rome’s other self justified wars of conquest. The only problem with this one was that the senate didn’t approve of it first.

[@biancachristie]

I’m a historian and I got a kick out of Rome. I think the distinction you made of authenticity vs exact fidelity is solid. Where Rome shines for me is the detail: the show creates a sense of almost total immersion in the period, and I love that. The costumes were gorgeous and very very influential on fashion over the next 5 or 6 years; goddess dresses and gladiator sandals became really popular. A revival of the show would be fantastic; I would love to see the reigns of all the emperors up to and including Claudius brought to life with the same scale and attention to detail. Maybe someday HBO will finally get around to that

[@blacktoothfox677]

The show wasn't cancelled BTW that was his first error. Now. You being a historian - what problems do you have with this review? What single glaring error generates itself over and over again showing that this channel is NOT voiced by someone with a true working knowledge of these facts? And no NOT the mistake with Caesar's death date - he addressed that in his pinned comment. I mean the series of goofs that you will know, being a historian - and not something any pleb could google? Being a historian you should be able to jump right on this. Which is why I ask, just to get a feel for your own veracity. Coz this dude is a clown. But if I meet an actual fellow enthusiast this won't have been a total loss - so excuse the interrogation!

[@Nohyp01]

@@blacktoothfox677 Sanctimonious.

[@blacktoothfox677]

@@Nohyp01 haha possibly... If by which you intend to infer I believe in the sanctity of history. As for my character --- you can assess my character via my pathetic little channel

[@jossypoo]

Spartacus felt the same to me. Historically accurate lots of the time, shifting to fiction sporadically, but usually fits a purpose/plays a role in the immersion.

[@caroleappling2007]

I wish someone would remake I Claudius, that was fantastic

[@littlejimmy5370]

Rome is a underrated series. It was a great series.

[@deponensvogel7261]

I found it strange, that the actual history is more cinematic than what they depicted in the series.

[@rakkycoon]

History buff

[@taroman7100]

If only it had followed the history which survives. Soooo many inaccuracies! When they ran with history in some scenes it was great. I have heard that Europe has a version with more historical scenes and dialect but was dumbed down for American audiences.

[@Vercingetorix.Fantasia]

Why have I seen this avatar before?

[@GaetanoBonaparte]

​@@taroman7100 I'am Italian and confirm that, the europe version cut the porn scenes and put more historical scene.

[@evandavid2816]

'Gaul...has been mostly pacified...' - well, there was that one little village, still holding out...the inhabitants were too Indomitable, you might say, yes? (Great video, by the way...!).

[@shuboy05]

As an American Asterix fan, I really wish more people here read that series.

[@TheNorthlander]

@@shuboy05 As an European Asterix fan I FUCKING AGREE.

[@sovietpotato6252]

I’m late but I love asterix

[@kukuvau3408]

@Cogniarius All fake history, we've already discussed that it was Asterix's village that stood against Rome.

[@satireisnotdead5804]

It might've helped that they also had a magic potion which made them practically invincible for a bit

[@rob5541]

Love this show. One of the saddest cancelations in television history

[@ichhabe330]

I waited 33 years for a series as this since I've learned about the Romans at the age of 6 many moons ago. So it was actually no problem that we were snubbed with some short battle actions. What made my gears grind was that it ended after only two seasons. Almost had to go to therapy because of that.

[@KitteridgeStudios]

Ikr? I think that it was that they already had wrecked the sets because they didn't expect the show to be as successful as it turned out to be and that it would've been to expensive to build everything again

[@dorkmax7073]

22:24 That knife hand was beautiful. US drill sergeants everywhere shed a tear of pride for Vorenus

[@TheZombiejohn75]

the fact that you threw in the "fuck the poor" scene from History of the World got you into my awesome book forever.

[@arthas640]

I'm at least 90% sure that was from the US Congress

[@davesy6969]

@@arthas640 Nah, it could of been from any seat of government, anywhere.

[@yaboi5047]

You can only trust Romans with English accents. I love it.

[@EdmundKempersDartboard]

"Romans detested the idea of kings and tyrants." Oof. Bad news, guys.

[@richaragonzales1355]

@Zhor'i Ambassador you are wrong. There was a shit ton of things wrongs with feudalism and monarchies.

[@adamscott7354]

Set Oof size - Max Libra

[@MaRaX93]

Romans here means the aristocracy, a small minority of Romans

[@psychokinrazalon]

@@richaragonzales1355 All forms of government are flawed. None are superior because they change with the times and human values.

[@viljamtheninja]

@@psychokinrazalon So a government that murders everyone, both their own people nd others, is as good as any other government which promotes freedom, protects its own citizens and avoids war with other civilizations, because no one is perfect? All forms of government are flawed, yes, but that doesn't mean all are equally flawed. Some are inherently better, at least if you hold any kind of core human values such as "murder is generally wrong".

[@Martin-jk2ng]

God I loved this show. The casting was spot on. The music was amazing. The acting was amazing. So great.

[@ToddDCLT4]

Christopher walker ranting about Julius Caesar was something I didn’t know I wanted to see.

[@adamscott7354]

Just watched it, was really good

[@the_Rade]

What show is it???

[@arthas640]

The casting choice for the series was flawless but i'd give a kidney to have seen Walken play Caesar. They have to make it an alternative history show because the Ides of March would have ended with Caesar moon walking past his assassins before shooting Brutus with a .357 magnum.

[@scotto7047]

The best novels I have read on this period is Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series - epic and factually pretty accurate. Strongly recommend as a read.

[@libertycowboy2495]

Extremely well researched and an awesome read. Want to visit this time? Read that series...closest thing to it!

[@beitang1241]

can't agree more

[@alicemoore2036]

I would love to see a series based on Sulla and Marius.

[@jasonmgrady]

One of my favorite series of all time.

[@Psych0ticCamel]

By far the best series of novels I've ever read

[@kroganoperator]

Rome was one of my favorite shows ever, vorenus and pullo were the best duo on television. I was so disappointed when I found out it wasn't getting a third season.

[@jessefrye2318]

Haven't been this early since Pompey abandoned Rome

[@AA-rd2se]

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus*

[@couchgrouches7667]

Lnternal ' *Pompeius Tyrone Magnus

[@108nighthawk]

Couch Grouches Jeff*

[@axelNodvon2047]

James Russell Chef*

[@sexualyeti7023]

Dude, too soon! Wait...

[@valhala56]

OMG Christopher Walken as a Roman senator, that was funny.

[@maxdecphoenix]

fellas, I. got a fever. and. the only prescription. is more CEASAR BABY!

[@quinnzykir]

Don’t care. That’s awesome

[@quinnzykir]

Don’t care. That’s awesome

[@keithgoh123]

The king of cameos.

[@bruha6415]

😂😂😂😂

[@deloceanophoto]

Personally, I love that the battles are glossed over. Most movies and series’ focus heavily on battles, whereas this series is much more character focused. Which doesn’t mean it is isn’t violent… it is very violent. But it’s more about people than about big set pieces. Overall, great video… really appreciated your insights!

[@MrCurbinator]

I generally agree, but given that this show might be the only accurate depiction of formation fighting I’ve seen, I’d trust these guys not to make a seige of wingerfell

[@killergoose7643]

I kind of agree. Military history isn't really my thing and I more appreciate the social and cultural things they explored in Rome more than the battles, but there are times when glossing over the action sometimes makes critical story beats feel incomplete or rushed from a dramatic perspective, especially the defeat of Pompey.

[@williampitt1537]

For how horrible the few battles were portrayed, I'm happy they didn't do more.

[@jbo4547]

@@williampitt1537 remember the first battle in the first episode? They could have done some really good battles. I think it was a budget thing

[@amafuji]

They could've been glossed over in a better way though

[@BigBazz-Clips]

These reviews better not get cancelled after part two...

[@2HRTS1LOVE]

Ritchie125 Lol, I see what you did there.

[@JasperLane]

"Imagine if they did that in Game of thrones!" They did, remember why Tyrion was knocked out with a hammer and missed the battle?

[@erikstrasburg6411]

@ That was also a huge fucking battle in the book though so come on.

[@SRosenberg203]

@ Wrong battle. Jasper was talking about The Battle of the Green Fork, which takes place in the first season. In the books, Tyrion fights alongside his Mountain Clansmen, kills a knight and takes another one prisoner (though mostly by accident). In the show he gets knocked out as everyone is charging into battle, and wakes up just in time for Tywin to give some exposition about how it went.

[@LouisKing995]

mike meeks You also never see any of Robs battles, which are all very significant victories show casing the young kings budding tactical genius. But we see none of them.

[@titanuranus3095]

GoT got much worse after they started actually showing the battles, the good stuff was the politics in the early show.

[@JasperLane]

@@titanuranus3095 I wouldn't go that far, Black Water and Castle Black are not only the best battles on the show but also some of the best battles ever put to Television. Throw in that they were both in the first 4 seasons of GOT where I would argue in some ways it surpassed the books. Not in every way obviously (Stannis and Renly jump to mind.) But I don't think the battles are to blame, the real answer is simple, D&D ran out of Material, they are Grade A adapters but with works on there resume like X-men Origin and Troy everyone should have seen the writing on the wall.

[@absurdist5134]

Great stuff, it really was a pity when the series got cancelled, it was utterly fantastic. Glad to see you with a sponsor!

[@DominicanaChika]

Seriously about time! So glad the first sponsor wasn't gamefly or lootcrate!

[@Erik-vp5bm]

I wish they would continue this series today. I think the problem is that it was ahead of its time. If it had launched today, it would undoubtedly have been a success - just look at Game of Thrones and Vikings and how well they've done.

[@imgoingforawalk1693]

"Caesar is not Sulla, he's not fighting Romans!" Bet that guy felt dumb after a few years.

[@raywhitehead730]

You didn't know Sula, you have know idea.

[@wildworld1643]

I mean he did fight for the Romans commoners and plebs. He just fought against the Senate and the Oligarchs

[@benjamin6194]

Caesar in real life seemed to define himself by doing the opposite of what Sulla did. And Augustus often did the opposite of what Caesar did (aside from the whole overthrowing the Republic thing).

[@moritamikamikara3879]

@@raywhitehead730 I didn't know Sulla, but I studied him.

[@JaguarEscarlata]

It was my understanding that the divinization of Caesar and the naming of the month of July in his honor were done by Octavius after Caesar's death. From your narration it seemed that they were done by Caesar himself.

[@imperatorjojo5276]

Well it's arguable whether Caesar himself enjoyed the fact but the senate gave him a shit ton of strange rewards to make him seem more the tyrant before outright killing him. He was both made a god and given his own month. I don't think Caesar enjoyed that fact very much since he was so enraged with Atonius offering him a crown during a festival that he triggered a stroke. Octavian took advantage of it though, insisting both the cult of Julius Caesar and the month stay the same. Even going as far as to dub himself divius filius, or son of god.

[@jacobtanner486]

Joey Alden wasn’t a stroke, Caesar had epilepsy

[@emilybrown1179]

It's what happens when one gets their information primarily from sources like wikipedia

[@CorbCorbin]

Its called a Caezure.

[@chanimarie6753]

@@imperatorjojo5276 it all came down, to jealousy and envy. They couldn't be hin, so they reviled and ended up killing him. This remains true, in politics, even until, this very day. Strangely enough, the fourth Rome.

[@teegamew766]

I am here to pay homage to one of the best series ever made. Rome. I wish to see more of the likes to come.

[@Outlaw8908]

Sw4gBeard YT I would love to see more as well.

[@teegamew766]

Outlaw8908 and praise Kek but fuck white ethnostatists....

[@justinkroboth360]

THIRTEEN! THIRTEEN! THIRTEEN!

[@carloforziati2624]

That scene broke me into tears..

[@scottbauer71]

THIRTEENTH!

[@technohead9670]

R.i.p Ray Stevenson aka Pullo..

[@amoss7837]

I ADORE this show!!! Its my all-time favorite even with only 2 seasons. I am STILL upset that they canceled this after 2 seasons.

[@seanc.mcnally2118]

Still, after Mark Antony's and Lucius Vorenus' exits, what's really left to love, apart from Pullo? That ongoing story really wouldn't have gone anywhere and apparently Caesarian was murdered by Octavian at the age of only 17. I think 'ROME" really ended well when it should have. Get out at the top of your game!

[@amoss7837]

@@seanc.mcnally2118 I agree!! My point is that it should have been more seasons between 1&2. It was 2/3 years between the seasons because they knew it would be the last. Years were fast forward to end it on top. But man what a wonderful 2 seasons

[@hognigk96]

omg that scene at 9:51. Christopher Walken loos like an Italian mafiosa in roman garb.

[@vaclav_fejt]

Like a True ROMEance?

[@matthewstoddart3552]

hognigk96 That's what Roman senators tended to be like. So he looks the part lol.

[@matthewstoddart3552]

Octavian Caesar Hibernicus What I mean by my comment. Is that roman senators tended to behave very similar to Italian mobsters. Constantly back stabbing each other, murdering each other and engaging in corruption etc.

[@matthewstoddart3552]

Of course they didn't speak with posh English accents or even speak English for that matter. They spoke Latin. Romans would have looked more similar to modern day Italians than Modern day British people.

[@matthewstoddart3552]

Octavian Caesar Hibernicus There are a a lot of Italians with olive skin and big noses "Roman nose" which that part of the modern Italian's appearance possibly originates from Roman times. Plus during the Roman Empire they was properly quite a bit of "racial mixing" for lack of a better term.

[@akiramoon5272]

You made a few mistakes: 1. Roman generals painted their faces red on the triumph, it was not something that Caesar did exclusively as you make it sound. Look at Historia Civilis video on the Roman Triumph. 2. Also Octavian was the one who started the cult of Caesar after his (Caesar) death. Maybe he loved his great uncle or he just wanted to be seen as the son of a God. 3. You make it sound as if Caesar marched on Rome because he felt like it... the senate gave him no choice, either he faced the senate in person and try to defend himself against a united coalition of his enemies or waited until his term as proconsul ended, where he will be no longer immune of legal prosecution. Or the third option, march on Rome and cease the corrupt senate, Caesar had only a legion at half strength when he crossed the Rubicon; clearly he didn't have time to waste, there was no time to wait on the rest of his legions in Gaul. Civil war was inevitable, Rome was dying and Caesar saved it.

[@danieldimitrov5997]

@André Luis I have some recomendations for you, if you insist commenting on this topic. 1. Get a better knowledge on the time period and on Roman politics in general at the time. You're severely lacking. 2. Stop using modern understanding and interpretation of politics and legality. The views of the ancient romans were vastly different. See point 1. 3. To better understand Ceasar's situation and decision making, read this "Barry J. M. Fides in Julius Caesar’s Bellum Civile: A Study in Roman Political Ideology at the Close of the Republican Era. " 4. To famimiliarize yourself with the time period in an entertaining way, and to find out what history books you need, read Colleen McCullough's "Masters of Rome". She takes some creative liberties with character's motivations, however the overal picture she draws of Ancient Rome between 110 BC and 30 BC is nothing short of brilliant.

[@chideraalexanderdex547]

@@danieldimitrov5997 you just spoke smugly and laid no real argument

[@getawayfromme1320]

the red face one is true though, triumphators always had their faces painted red

[@greybayles7955]

@@danieldimitrov5997 I appreciate you actually sourcing things but Andre is honestly kinda right, you just said "you dont know what youre talking about" without really countering any points he made

[@donrobertson4940]

@@danieldimitrov5997 collen mccolloch! Ha. She might as l well be Ceasars pr agent. She portrays Ceasar as a flawless superhero. should read Robert Harris's books based on the life of Cisero.

[@kuljeetsingh9]

I love Rome..it's my favorite series of all time I have watched it may be 5 times already..it's a shame HBO didn't continue it...excellent picturization and cast

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

22:36 Jupiter's balls, Vorenus has a fearsome knife hand!

[@kristadisgumundsdottir3658]

I feel like mentioning Historia Civilis you tube channel for those those that want to know more. :)

[@thomasvrielink299]

Yes! He's even reenacted the battles that were sorely missed in Rome ;)

[@ΒασιλεύςἈλέξιοςΚομνηνὸς]

I love watching boxes getting slaughtered (no sarcasm)

[@Lil_fang866]

Krista Dís Guðmundsdóttir YES, Great Channel

[@manuelcastanonguerrero3216]

Boxes getting slaughtered in glorious 4k

[@Skippylegrandgourou1]

Great channel ! His videos about Caesar were just constantly popping in my mind while watching this review, it'a must-watch :)

[@TUkrLad]

Mance Rayder gets betrayed by Edmure Tully. Then Ellaria Sand dies.

[@mjbull5156]

Every time Ciaran Hinds gets a job on HBO, he ends up getting burned.

[@mikechinas7871]

22:38 RIP Ray Stevenson... he was awesome in this show. Thirteen!!!!!!!

[@shuboy05]

Lucius and Titus are technically the main characters since they are given the most focus. And it's a very smart choice since the actual historical characters like Caesar and Mark Antony are such larger than life figures.

[@deserk]

Rome is the best historical period TV show to have ever been made. In the name of Jupiter; BRING IT BACK, HBO!

[@super_shag8685]

9:57 Is that *CHRISTAPHUS WALKEMUS!*

[@alexanderforbes1452]

Rome's Cato was too old as well, maybe it's supposed to reflect his sort of old fashioned ideals and stern demeanor, but Cato was actually younger than Caesar by a few years and died before him so there's no reason he should ever be portrayed as being older than Julius.

[@AnhTrieu90]

Funny enough, we call him Cato the Younger.

[@vladimiradidas1945]

when i say the name bigeus *DICKUS*

[@doctorwinston7767]

As a history buff obsessed with all things Roman I really want to see you do a video on I Claudius. I always saw HBO’s Rome as almost an unofficial prequel to Claudius since it takes place half a century prior and since the main character of the first couple of episodes of Claudius was an aging Augustus before Claudius comes of age.

[@salokin3087]

This show is so good, they even include Ceaser getting anguished over Pompey's death

[@GriffinPilgrim]

He was a CONSUL OF ROME!

[@brucetucker4847]

They sure got their money's worth out of the spikes outside the palace gate.

[@louiewatson9389]

I love the series Rome. I wish they would've kept making it.

[@danielcadwell9812]

Pullo and Marc Antony were my favorites.

[@cheydinal5401]

"Pretty much how today's Senators function" *shows House of Representatives*

[@paulb.9742]

I wish people would take time to understand what the actual roles of the House and Senate are. (And for members of the House and Senate to know their roles too sadly.)

[@cheydinal5401]

@@paulb.9742 Wait, what Congressmen don't know their roles?

[@cheydinal5401]

@Robert Slackware Why would them ignoring the Constitution mean they don't know what the Constitution says? Maybe they just don't care

[@cheydinal5401]

@Robert Slackware They don't care about following the rules, but they still want to appear like they do. Because if voters start to think they don't follow the Constitution, then they get a problem.

[@arthas640]

@@paulb.9742 The Senate and The Senate have identical jobs: fleece the tax payers out of as much money as possible, secure as much support for their campaign supporters as possible, and to blame as many of their problems on the opposing party as possible. The Trump administration proved that most of these people dont even really have jobs or know what the job description even is, I'm not even sure if Pelosi and Mcconnell know what planet they're on half the time.

[@IsaiahRichards692]

13:14 Caesar: We need to build a wall! Don’t worry: the Gauls will pay for it!

[@LannisterFromDaRock]

15:56 That was actually normal on triumphs... Not something Caesar came up with.

[@TheAchilles26]

What Caesar did that was significant was he went around publicly in full Triumph regalia outside of triumphs.

[@TheAchilles26]

Octavian Caesar Hibernicus you are incorrect. He specifically continued wearing the laurel crown used at triumphs publicly. Plutarch specifically accuses him of doing so to hide his bald spot.

[@imperatorjojo5276]

The laurel crown wasn't exclusive to triumphs. He won it as a common soldier.

[@Robbstark2024]

Lannister you murdered my father and as soon as I come bak from the freys wedding ill kick your ass

[@kairosmvr1900]

clean

[@ethantaylor9613]

Gaul is in three pieces: the dead, the enslaved, and and the remaining.

[@marinerproductions1315]

I thought it was West Francia, which became the modern France, Central Francia, which was largely controlled by the Romans, until it was taken by West Francia, and East Francia, which came under the control of the Holy Roman Empire, until being taken by France. I could be wrong, but that's what I thought.

[@ethantaylor9613]

Shock Trooper TV That’s the original yes I was merely playing off the saying

[@marinerproductions1315]

@@ethantaylor9613, right. Yeah, I get it. The joke is pretty funny, I just wanted to make sure that I knew what that meant.

[@bubblerum69002]

Man, I loved this show. Still watch it every now and again. I really hoped HBO would see it through and give it the chance it deserved to fully evolve.

[@neverwhere1391]

I was hooked on this from the moment it was aired! It’s incredible.

[@listenchump4041]

Ciaran Hinds and James Purefoy were incredible as Caesar and Mark Antony, shame they are not more recognized today.

[@kinagrill]

But the Brittany Gauls had a druid called Getafix who made them magic potion, so they kept resisting even through caesar's years as Emperor.

[@bar10005]

It's funny that you mention Game of Thrones when talking about 'skipping' battles, because GoT is also guilty of this when they skipped two battles in first season - the Battle of the Green Fork, which in the books is fully detailed from the POV of Tyrion, and the Battle of the Whispering Wood, probably because of a lower budget (episodes up to Blackwater had about $6 milion budget according to Wiki). The first big battle is the one shown by you, the Battle of the Blackwater, and the episode had similar budget to episodes of Rome, what, in my opinion, shows how over the years production cost lowered.

[@drogon7349]

the reason why it was low because no one know that GoT was gonna be so popular and blow so much back then

[@vassilyvodka2638]

@@drogon7349 also the producer of Rome learned much better to manage a higher budget and could put all their knowledge into producing GoT.

[@drogon7349]

@@vassilyvodka2638 i wish they contoninued it same with GoT but redo season 6,7 and 8

[@deponensvogel7261]

However, even the Battle of the Blackwater was kind of cut. In the books, they fight on the ships, where the wildfire hell breaks loose.

[@nickrollstuhlfahrerson8659]

The issue with Rome’s missing battles is that they actually happened, and some of them are important to fully understand the period/history. GoT however is purely fictional, and therefore you can leave them out without changing much of the narrative

[@sfperalta]

I just finished watching both seasons again. It's a classic!

[@collinrheaume4228]

I came, I saw, but I still need to conquer.

[@2HRTS1LOVE]

collin rheaume I was just watching some doc about how Romans actually pronounced those Latin words, based on actual grammar texts of the day. It's not, Ven-ee, vee-dee, vee-chee. Apparently Caesar would have said Wen-ee, wee-dee, wee-Kee. Just doesn't have quite the same ring, huh.

[@363Magi]

Link to the doc please friend my G.

[@ethanhatcher5533]

collin rheaume lay down, try not to conquer, conquer a lot

[@zachzimmerman2996]

I have had some basic Latin instruction, and can confirm this.

[@TheKaiTetley]

collin rheaume. I saw, I came, I need a tissue.

[@dukedase7]

Regarding Crassus, I think you mean THE richest man in Roman history, even more than Caesar and Augustus at their height. Crassus is even argued as one of the richest men in history.

[@dukedase7]

That's if you count that as Augusts' personal wealth and not tributes to the Empire. It's really hard to tell anyway because of the records.

[@tomservo5347]

Is he where we get our term 'crass'-as in "He's a crass individual."?

[@dukedase7]

You mean mansa musa? He was rich, had a lot of gold. But there is no source that gives any contemporary value of his wealth, so that argument can't really be made. I also said ONE OF not THE

[@ElSayyidCampeador]

Invictus didn't he cause a depression in Cairo when on his hajj?

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

That is a bit of a myth. Pompey, Caesar and Augustus would later eclipce him in wealth since Crassus never conquered which was most lucrative.

[@manfredaxcore]

RIP Ray "Titus Pullo" Stevenson. We'll miss you.😔

[@connorbutler5900]

I’m not surprised at how many of these actors showed up in Game of Thrones. Absolutely incredible casting.

[@alexmann152]

In All the Triumphs the generals painted themselves like Jupiter. It was just traditional

[@burritodog3634]

but how did they know that Jupiter had that big red spot on it?

[@PRubin-rh4sr]

@@burritodog3634 you could always make it up....

[@367jamison]

@@PRubin-rh4sr The red was was intended ti represent Mars the God of war, not Jupiter. The red planet was named after this God. Martial arts is named after this God. Mars not Jupiter.

[@marinerproductions1315]

@@burritodog3634, they didn't. As far as we know, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter has only existed for 350 years, tops. We're talking about a culture that existed over 2,000 years ago, and ended by about 550 years ago. They could not, and did not, know about the Great Red Spot.

[@inmate24601]

@@367jamison Mars was the God of War but most evidence indicates the red-painted faces were referencing Jupiter, who like triumphing Roman general, was displayed in his temple wearing the toga picta.

[@sabrinastratton1991]

RIP Ray Stevenson who portrayed Titus Pullo - Pullo was one of my favorite characters and the actor did a lovely job

[@TopShelfFandomVids]

Just got done with a re watch perfect timing

[@pwebbo1979]

Same here! Season 1 is amazing.

[@guybezant9009]

Rome is a MASSIVELY underrated show! Gritty and lived in, accurate enough for drama and surprisingly funny. Real top show and needs more love. Great video as ever!

[@heihei3453]

I've heard it said that without Rome, Game of Thrones might not have taken off or even been produced.

[@Ram-xw4kj]

What is the connection between those two?

[@marks_sparks1]

@@Ram-xw4kj basically Rome was too expensive to make it past two seasons. HBO producers used that lesson to refine the costs of making GoT and make it as long as it could be without going over budget. Oh and don't ever do an expensive co-production with the BBC

[@Xandy743]

Got back home from work to see this in my sub box. Such a great feeling.

[@MarekDohojda]

I loved Rome, even with few mistakes (Like Caesar and Pompey being co-Consul) . I went away from studying Rome history for a bit, watched the show and remembered why I loved this era. One thing though Cato was not that old, he was around 50 at this time, that was for some reason one of my biggest pet peeve.

[@BountyFlamor]

50-year-olds back then probably looked older than most do today.

[@quelorepario]

@@caiawlodarski5339 check what was the average life span of the people at that time.

[@quelorepario]

@@caiawlodarski5339 i am not talking about the average life expectancy by birth, I am talking about the actual average age of death which was around 60 years old.

[@quelorepario]

@@caiawlodarski5339 then why are you saying that @BountyFlamor 's comment is wrong? He's right on point, a 50 year old man in ancient Rome had definitely more health issues than a 50 yrs old man of today. It is really plausible that a 50 yrs old man was as frail in comparison to a contemporary 70 yrs old man. To negate this is to negate how modern technology has dramatically improved modern medicine and the quality of life of the elders.

[@taroman7100]

It had waaay more than a few mistakes. Shameful.

[@gunchi06]

You guys rock. I havent felt this history lesson satisfied in YEARS. Thanks. Keep the good work. You guys are MUCH needed.❤

[@TraceurCMann]

Man i've only recently found this channel and these videos and they are amazing. Combines perfectly my love of cinema and reigniting my interest in history. If I was a history teacher I'd show this to my pupils!

[@ricksamericana749]

My favorite scene in "Rome" was Caesar crossing the Rubicon. Caesar leads his legions across a shallow little stream, not some magnificent river. There are no grand gestures or pronouncements. The only one to witness one of the most momentous events in all of history is a young boy with a simple pole, fishing in the stream. As he rides by Marc Antony, played by James Purefoy merely gives the boy a wink.

[@alicemoore2036]

Excuse me, boy? Are we crossing the Rubicon?

[@slypen7450]

Caesar stopped turned to his officers and said, " the die is cast." Because he was taking a gamble in crossing with an army.

[@mehwhyausername1]

that was the least-Christopher Walken-ish Christopher Walken I've ever seen.

[@alexiaNBC]

One of the most common errors made about the assasination of Caesar was that it was done in the Senate floor. In reality, it was done in the theater of Pompey as the Senate was under construction to expand the seats for Caesar's newly appointed Gaul senators.

[@lewiegan216]

Yea which is ironic since his body laid at the feet of Pompey Magnus. Along with the fact he was only stabbed 5 times while alive with only 2 being severe/fatal; the conspirators was over 60 Senators but most did nothing when the Assassination occurred.

[@Axemantitan]

I wish modern graffiti looked like ancient Roman graffiti. It would be a lot more entertaining than the indecipherable crap that I see around.

[@RushGamma]

MrMcCoGo No, most graffiti is garbage. You're just mad that your graffiti looks like someone shit on a wall.

[@Marco81blues]

It might be so, but it serves a diferent purpose.

[@xeagaort]

Marco81blues sooo rebellious!

[@feelthepony]

it serves no purpose,it is most of the time narcicistic bullshit,like your name in giant letters and shit.

[@redyokai3726]

White people i swear

[@spyrosvassilakis4212]

Imagine if HBO completed Rome (like a 10 season series) with GoT funding...

[@rebelfriend1818]

it had massive funding thats why it was cancelled because they couldn't afford it

[@dcchillin4687]

One of my favorite shows ever. that intro music XD

[@jacobstaten2366]

Wish it was a separate chapter so you could just hit skip instead of hitting fast forward and hoping you time it right.

[@rickyred001]

I have just recently rewatched both series of Rome, it's still fantastic television, its aged really well, but then great telly always does...

[@TKE644]

If you're interested in Caesars war in Gaul the new Hardcore History podcast covers it in great detail!

[@Hoppy83NZ]

Listened to it just yesterday... highly recommend it too

[@Skedaddlemahgaggle]

Dan Carlin is so good. Every single podcast is just absolute pleasure.

[@cunt8027]

I saw, I conquered, I came.

[@watsie04]

Please do Das Boot!!!

[@TheKaiTetley]

Watsie. Hell yes.

[@watsie04]

TheKaiTetley it's one of the best historical movies

[@gunterg7309]

Yes please

[@Dagsschiller]

DAS BOOT!!!! :D

[@byteresistor]

Why? It's fiction.

[@EleaticStranger]

TY. I love this show but never quite understood the strategic calculations but the context here clarifies why Caesar acted as he did.

[@TheHannibalos]

Remake Rome with GoT budget!...so i can die peacefully

[@TheRomanRuler]

Don`t remake perfection. Just expand on it, make Rome season 3.

[@joegray1322]

Rok Komes it had a game of thrones budget, Rome and GoT both have/had the highest budgets on tv

[@NobleNemesis]

They could definitely pick it up in a different era and we'd forgive them. lol

[@tibfulv]

I do believe the lessons from Rome allowed GoT to do more with less. So Rome Remade or Continued might well be awesome.

[@panoptikum9768]

Rome had a larger budget than GoT has. GoT season 6 episodes cost $10 million, a Rome season 1 episode cost $8.33 million back in 2002, which amounts to $11.7 million today.

[@goldenage1978]

Gladiator also insults me and others by displaying germanic as some primitive gang with no formation, but that's not even close to the real thing, the real ones had proper formation. Gladiator is just another movie with no historical accuracy. Rome was one of my favorite shows same as Deadwood, both abruptly ended.

[@AverageAlien]

gladiator was post republic even post christ rome though

[@reneedailey1696]

Average Alien- which makes it that much weirder that the plot was "restoring the Republic". Like, no one was fighting for that- I would've liked to have seen Lucilla trying to overthrow him the way she did historically, that would've made plenty of good drama.

[@bobbyhillthuglife]

the battle in gladiator is supposed to be the final battle of the marcomannic wars, so it makes sense that the german army is sort of a ragtag group of survivors making a last stand, presumably the armies of the early marcomannic wars would have been better equipped... at least that is how i interpreted it

[@gmet12915]

As the president and founding/sole member of the Get History Buffs to review 'The Great Escape' Club, I would like to post this reminder that you really should review 'The Great Escape'.

[@redreaper2752]

Forest Gump, Ancient Rome style. That’s basically how I used to condense the overarching storyline when attempting to get everyone I knew to watch it. Though I did go into a little more detail, explaining the the two main protagonists weren’t slow minded, but simply written to have been a part of, or directly/accidentally/unknowingly responsible for, some of the most important historical events from that time. Much like Forest in Forest Gump. I initially fell in love with history in 2nd or 3rd grade after watching an episode of Reading Rainbow about Ancient Egypt/King Tut. But that was soon overshadowed by my inability to read well. Before that I’d loved books because my mom had been reading me to sleep every night for as long back as I could remember. And it was Rome that reminded me of how much I still loved the subject despite having recently graduated still barely able to read and my Dyslexia having yet to be diagnosed. But Rome and all the dvd extras, as well as Harry Potter, inspired me to start reading again. Eventually teaching myself how to read by sight instead of how I’d been “taught” in school. I’m now the best and most accomplished reader, as well as having the largest vocabulary, of anyone I know. And I can trace it all back to the day I first rented Rome season 1 from Blockbuster. With my curiosity about the Harry Potter books striking only a few months later after watching the first four movies for the first time, thus inspiring me to start reading fiction as well as Historical topics. And with thousands of books now under my belt, the rest is history.

[@Serai3]

I'm still so sorry this series had to end. They could have gone on for multiple seasons, covering the entire span of the empire. That's what happens when a series is so well-made, the budget makes it impossible to continue. * SIGH *

[@PieEater163]

Wait the Netflix one was condensed!? Guess who's buying it on DVD and rewatching it again!

[@mxviii]

Honestly Im glad that they didnt show any battle scenes...The only movie out there right now that showed historically accurate battles was Alexander., and youre very own review called those battles pretty boring. Because actual Greco-roman warfare would have been incredibly boring to watch. Just a bunch of squares pushing against each other until one formation broke. It was very interesting to see in the first episode, because it showed tactics, and introduced us to the main characters. But sitting through an entire season of dudes round robin fighting each other would have grown very tedious.

[@maxdecphoenix]

also, I have to point out since he mentioned 'what if game of thrones skipped battles', well they did. The battle where Robb got decimated by Tywin. They'd built it up for several episodes in season two (would have been over a month during the airing season) then right as the battle begins, Tyrion gets hit in the head by a charging Hill Tribesman and it story jumps ahead to when Tyrion wakes up after the battle. I was kinda furious when that happened. Then it was several more weeks before the season finale with the battle of the blackwater. Another thing from season 2 was Daenarys arrives in Qarth in episode, she's there for 6 episodes before sacking the city in hinted at during the season outro. Same thing when she sacks Astopor. The wyrm burns the slavemaster, we see some master gets speared then another quick cut and the city is sacked. Same when she arrives in Merrean. Battle lines out, season ends with them launching catapults of slave-collars into the city. Next season picks up with the Unsullied infiltrating the city to provoke a slave revolt.

[@raphaelkhan1668]

He called Alexander boring. But he said the battles were the only high points.

[@alanmcintosh8087]

Spent a rainy week in the west country with a loved one visited Maiden castle got soaked on way back bought Rome box set turned the whole week round and discovered a shared love of Rome x