absolutely glorious series . all the actor in this series be in or have be in american film but they have always be underrated and be some of the best actor alive . there be more dame and knight than you can believe . derek jacobi be breathtaking in his performance . sian phillips be subtly evil . john hurt a caligula shine with madness . the set be unbelievable consider the small budget they have . the most shocking thing be that everything in one sense or another be true . these people really do die these way . it will take you completely out of your everyday life and deposit you in the world of the roman .