Rome - Power & Glory: The Rise and Fall of an Empire | Peter Coyote

Rome - Power & Glory: The Rise and Fall of an Empire | Peter Coyote | Didn't Understand Last Two Reviews

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Rome - Power & Glo...

	Rome - Power & Glory: The Rise and Fall of an Empire Peter Coyote Questar Video, 2005 average customer review:based on 4 reviews view larger image
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For more than a thousand years, Rome was the center of the known world. One of the most glorious empires in history, it provided a common language, shared culture, and - for some - a wealth beyond imagination. But nothing lasts forever. War, barbarian attacks, and moral decay eventually took their toll and the empire slowly began to crumble. This collection presents the complete history of Rome - from its primitive beginnings to the height of its glory and its eventual decline, as well as its legacies for today.

Better than most of the Roman documentaries out there

First off, I was surprised to see that no one had yet reviewed this multi-volumed set on the entire history of Rome. I mean, the Discovery channel shows it at least once a month! If you're like me and dont mind setting your vcr to tape programs at 2 am over the course of five nights, then go ahead and do so, it's worth it. However, if you are bereft of cable, or patience, I highly recommend you purchase this boxed set. The casual history afficianado will be entertained and informed, the student of Roman history generally satisfied, and the social studies teacher thrilled. Since I'm the last two, I doubly approve of this documentary. Now for the PROS: 1) Peter Coyote is a reliable voice-over talent, and many will recognize him from his 687 or so commercials spots. His reading of the script is well paced and sounds informed, especially with respect to pronunciations. 2) The content -- at almost 6 hours in length, we finally have a documentary history of Rome that doesnt gloss over whole periods, important rulers, societal factors and cultural aspects like most other one or two-hour videos do. Divided into segments that chronologically overlap at times, the boxed set nevertheless weaves together the important THEMES of Roman history, rather than simply adhering to a rigid linear format. We have: Rome's Rise to Power, The Conquest of the Legions, Corruption of Power, Grasp of Empire and the Cult of Order. Finally, a documentary that doesnt treat Rome solely as a cruel, bloodthirsty, slave-owning, tyrannical bully! The visuals are stunning, the commentaries are given by the usual learned English scholars, and above all, it's ACCURATE, by Jove! Rome's lasting influence on American culture is not ignored, nor is Rome's preeminence as the greatest Empire in the history of the world. If you teach Ancient cultures or Latin, buy this video and show an episode per week. Your kids will love you. If you're sick of the endless WWII crap they show on the Hitler, er, I mean History Channel, treat yourself to this informative history of the Romans and their glorious past. The only negative side I see, could have been about 6 hours longer...

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Didn't Understand Last Two Reviews

While I'm sure this subject could be handled better,(i.e. "The History of Britain" on the history channel), this is by far the best and most concise video treatment I've seen.
I have taught European history for years and have found that outside of "Sparticus", "Ben Hur" and various different fictional movies (even "Caligula"), that most people know that there was a huge and long lasting empire of Rome, but have no idea where it came from nor where it went.
This series answers those questions.
I have heard people refer to the United States in terms of the rise and fall of Rome. If it is true that history repeats itself then I think it's important, even though there might be some things in this taped series that don't appeal to purists, that this sort of history medium be available to young and old alike.

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