Premiering on 18 July 2024 on Peacock and internationally via Amazon Prime Video, Those About to Die thrusts viewers into the blood-soaked arena of 79 A.D. Rome. Directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day), this historical drama weaves political intrigue with visceral gladiatorial combat, offering a raw portrayal of Emperor Vespasian’s reign and the rise of the Colosseum as a tool of control.
Historical Context: Bread, Circuses, and Blades
Set during the twilight of Vespasian’s rule, the series explores Rome’s reliance on spectacle to quell unrest. The unfinished Colosseum looms as a symbol of imperial power, its sands destined to host chariot races and gladiatorial duels. The era’s infamous munera (gladiatorial games) were not mere entertainment but calculated displays of dominance, a theme central to the show’s narrative.
Production: Crafting Rome’s Brutal Beauty
With a blockbuster budget, Emmerich and writer Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) recreate Rome’s grandeur and grit. Expansive sets, from marble palaces to labyrinthine slums, anchor the story, while meticulous attention to period-accurate armour and weaponry immerses viewers in the era’s brutality.
The Blades of the Arena: Swords in Focus
The series shines in its depiction of gladiatorial combat, showcasing an arsenal of historically inspired weaponry:
| Weapon | Gladiator Class | Combat Style | Historical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gladius | Murmillo, Secutor | Close-quarters thrusting and slashing | The iconic Roman shortsword, 18–24 inches, designed for lethal efficiency in tight formations. |
| Spatha | Eques, Retiarius | Slashing from horseback or open combat | A longer sword adopted from Celtic tribes, later used by cavalry. |
| Sica | Thraex | Curved blade for hooking shields | Distinctive curved dagger favoured by Thracian gladiators. |
| Trident | Retiarius | Paired with a net for ranged entrapment | A fishing tool repurposed for theatrical combat. |
Fight choreographers blend cinematic flair with authenticity, emphasising the gladius’s brutal efficiency. Training involved HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) consultants to replicate Roman techniques, such as the plumbatae (shield strikes) and disciplined thrusts aimed at vulnerable joints.
Main Cast: Power Players and Pit Fighters
- Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian: A weary ruler clinging to stability.
- Iwan Rheon as Tenax: A gambling magnate manipulating Rome’s underworld.
- Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus: Vespasian’s heir, torn between duty and ambition.
- Sara Martins as Cala: A rebel challenging patriarchal constraints.
- Jojo Macari as Domitian: Vespasian’s volatile younger son.
Episode Breakdown: Steel and Strategy
The ten-episode season merges political machinations with arena carnage:
- “Rise or Die”: The elite quash riots; gladius-wielding guards clash with plebeians.
- “Death’s Door”: A gladiator’s sica duels against a retiarius’s trident in a choreographed ballet of blood.
- “Fool’s Bet”: Charioteers wield spathas in frenzied track-side skirmishes.
- “Let the Games Begin”: The Colosseum’s inaugural bout showcases diverse gladiator archetypes and their signature blades.
Critical Reception: A Divided Colosseum
- The Guardian praised its “unflinching brutality” but critiqued shallow characterisation.
- Time deemed it “a macho fantasia, light on nuance but heavy on spectacle.”
- Screen Rant lauded its “adrenaline-fueled action” and detailed set pieces.
Legacy: Reviving Rome’s Edge
Those About to Die joins Gladiator and Spartacus in fuelling fascination with Rome’s martial culture. Its emphasis on period-accurate swords and combat could set a benchmark for future historical dramas.
Where to Watch
- Peacock (US, from 18 July 2024)
- Amazon Prime Video (International, including UK, from 19 July 2024)
Emmerich’s series delivers a visceral, sword-first plunge into ancient Rome. While its political threads occasionally fray, the gladiatorial sequences, anchored by authentic steel and savagery, will satisfy fans of history’s sharpest dramas.
Watch the trailer:
