Roman Empire: Commodus - Reign of Blood

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[edit] General Information

History Documentary hosted by Sean Bean, published by Netflix in 2016 - English narration

[edit] Cover

[edit] Information

"A kingdom of gold, to one of iron and rust" -- Lucius Cassius Dio "Roman Empire: Reign of Blood" is the story of one the greatest and most powerful civilizations in human history as it begins to unravel and descend into an era of chaos from which it will never recover. This six hour Netflix Originals series is a stylish mix of documentary and historical epic chronicling the blood-soaked reign of Commodus, the emperor whose rule marked the beginning of Rome's fall. Palace intrigue. Conspiracy, betrayal, seduction, sex, and assassination. Season 1 is set in the time of Commodus (177 AD), where Emperors, Senators and Gladiators were worshipped like gods. Commodus, the son and heir of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, was appointed co-emperor of Rome and ruled alongside his father when he was just 16 years old and became the sole emperor after the death of his father in 180 AD. What then followed were years of brutal misrule which precipitated civil strife that ended 84 years of the Roman empire's stability and prosperity and led to several assassination attempts on his life. Friends and family members turn on Emperor Commodus, angling to kill him and snatch the prize of ultimate power in the world's most powerful kingdom. Written, Directed & Produced by Richard Lopez ; Stephen David Entertainment Production for Netflix Original

[edit] Born in the Purple

The first episode 'Born in the Purple' delves into Commodus's early life and his rise to power. We begin by exploring the upbringing of Commodus, who was born into royalty as the son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. His father dies while he was on a military campaign against the Germanic tribes. Commodus is devastated by his father's death and is prompted to return to Rome to take up the mantle of emperor. However, Commodus's ascension to the throne is far from smooth, while rumor and intrigues brew back in Rome.

[edit] The Making of an Emperor

The Germanic tribes strike as Marcus Aurelius succumbs to disease, leaving a skeptical Emperor Commodus to prosecute a war that doesn't interest him. The marriage of Commodus to Bruttia Crispina has a strategic value of strengthening his bond with the senatorial class in Rome. Following the advice of Cleander and Saoterus, Commodus ends the campaigns in Germania after his father's death.

[edit] Enemy of the Senate

Commodus rises to power as Rome's new emperor, but not everyone supports his ascent. Among those conspiring against him: his older sister Lucilla. Commodus bankrolls gladiatorial fights by taxing the Senate. This angers key members of the Senate such as Cassius Dio and Quintianus who plots with Lucilla against Commodus.

[edit] Rome is Burning

Commodus defeats his sister's coup but withdraws from governing, allowing others to amass power while he engages in an affair and banishes his wife. Commodus exiles his sister Lucilla on the island of Capri. Cleander, a commander of the Praetorian Guard, begins selling Senate seats. When his wife Crispina does not produce an heir, Commodus banishes her to Capri; at the same time, Commodus takes on an extra-marital lover Marcia who herself is still married to Eclectus, the freedman and Commodus' chamberlain.

[edit] Fight for Glory

A disastrous grain shortage reveals Cleander's treachery and leaves Commodus isolated, inspiring him to train as a gladiator in a bid to unite Rome. Commodus asks Narcissus to train him as a gladiator. Commodus becomes the first and only Roman emperor to fight as a gladiator.

[edit] 14 Days of Blood

Lavish imperial games at the Colosseum are highlighted by the emperor's bloody victories, but his paranoid abuses of power lead to a final betrayal. His lover Marcia fails in poisoning Commodus. All the Senators are scared of being executed by Commodus at any moment. At the end, Narcissus assassinates Commodus. The Year of the 5 Emperors ensues. Afterwards, Narcissus is executed. Also, the next emperor Didius Julianus executes Marcia.

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[edit] Technical Specs

Video Codec: x264 CABAC High@L4
Video Bitrate: 3 596 Kbps
Video Resolution: 1920x1080
Display Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Frames Per Second: 23.976 fps
Audio Codec: E-AC3
Audio Bitrate: 640 kb/s CBR 48000 Hz
Audio Streams: 6
Audio Languages: english
RunTime Per Part: 44 min 27 s - 48 min 53 s
Number Of Parts: 6
Part Size: 1.33 GB - 1.35 GB
Source: WEB DL (Thanks to NYH)
Encoded by: DocFreak08