‘The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire’ breaks down ultimate collapse of cautionary civilization

History buffs and fans of gripping historical narratives have a new must-watch event on the horizon. The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, a brand-new two-part special, premieres on the History Channel on Wednesday, May 27 at 8/7c.

The opening chapter of this documentary event dives deep into the high-stakes political turmoil of the ancient world. Viewers will get an intimate look at the brutal assassination that paved the way for Augustus to emerge as Rome's first emperor.

Streaming Options for Cord Cutters

If you have cut the cord, you can still catch every moment of this two-night limited series through streaming platforms including Philo, DIRECTV, or Sling.

Platform Comparison

• Philo: The most budget-friendly option, Philo starts at just $25 per month following a week-long free trial. You can access over 70 channels, with an available Bundle+ plan ($33/month) that adds HBO Max, Discovery+, and AMC+.
• DIRECTV: For those seeking robust features like unlimited cloud DVR, DIRECTV offers packages starting at $89.99. New subscribers can take advantage of a 5-day free trial and a $40 discount on their first month, bringing the price down to $49.
• Sling: Providing flexibility through day, week, and weekend passes (starting at $4.99), Sling is a modular alternative to cable, with monthly plans starting at $45.99.

The Story of an Empire

This series covers the epic arc of Rome, from its origins as an aggressive republic fighting for survival in the Mediterranean, to its transformation into a superpower with vast land and wealth. The documentary explores how unchecked power and a series of complex events eventually led to the fall of the empire at the hands of fearsome invaders.

Packed with dramatic live-action sequences, archival footage, and expert commentary, the series offers a comprehensive look at 1,000 years of glory and gore.