1 00:00:12,137 --> 00:00:14,139 2 00:00:29,279 --> 00:00:32,324 3 00:00:58,141 --> 00:00:59,685 This is for the Senate! 4 00:01:17,911 --> 00:01:19,371 Bring him to the palace... 5 00:01:19,454 --> 00:01:20,455 alive. 6 00:01:47,858 --> 00:01:48,817 It's fine. 7 00:01:52,779 --> 00:01:53,697 Let him through! 8 00:01:55,198 --> 00:01:56,074 Commodus. 9 00:01:56,158 --> 00:01:57,326 Thank the Gods, you're alright. 10 00:01:57,409 --> 00:01:58,785 They came for you too? 11 00:01:59,369 --> 00:02:01,830 We stopped at the brothel on our way to the Coliseum. 12 00:02:02,748 --> 00:02:04,291 They ambushed us. 13 00:02:06,126 --> 00:02:07,002 Saoterus? 14 00:02:08,045 --> 00:02:09,296 They moved too quickly. 15 00:02:09,963 --> 00:02:12,090 I managed to hold them off, but Saoterus... 16 00:02:14,301 --> 00:02:15,886 Find out who was behind this. 17 00:02:17,471 --> 00:02:18,931 It doesn't matter what it takes. 18 00:02:19,932 --> 00:02:21,099 With pleasure. 19 00:02:50,379 --> 00:02:54,132 20 00:04:21,637 --> 00:04:22,930 For Commodus, 21 00:04:23,931 --> 00:04:28,644 the attempt on his life and the murder of his closest advisor... 22 00:04:29,144 --> 00:04:31,605 shakes the foundation of his reign. 23 00:04:38,612 --> 00:04:39,821 When you think about 24 00:04:39,905 --> 00:04:42,074 somebody like Commodus growing up 25 00:04:42,157 --> 00:04:44,952 and coming into a position of enormous responsibility. 26 00:04:46,203 --> 00:04:49,289 It's not simply that they're an individual of great wealth 27 00:04:49,373 --> 00:04:51,250 and everybody's gonna be jealous. 28 00:04:53,293 --> 00:04:57,005 One can suppose that they must have felt enormously isolated. 29 00:04:57,631 --> 00:04:59,841 The number of people whom they felt they could trust 30 00:04:59,925 --> 00:05:01,969 must be extraordinarily small. 31 00:05:17,067 --> 00:05:20,571 Cleander knows that to keep the trust of the Emperor... 32 00:05:20,654 --> 00:05:23,782 and eliminate any ties to the murder of Saoterus, 33 00:05:23,865 --> 00:05:25,909 he'll have to cover his tracks. 34 00:05:31,123 --> 00:05:34,001 Starting with the Senate member who aided in the plot... 35 00:05:35,085 --> 00:05:36,545 Quintianus. 36 00:05:48,640 --> 00:05:50,559 I've waited a long time for this. 37 00:05:51,476 --> 00:05:54,438 Convince Commodus to spare my life. 38 00:05:56,440 --> 00:05:57,566 If you do that, 39 00:05:58,150 --> 00:05:59,902 I won't say anything. 40 00:06:00,652 --> 00:06:02,029 You have my word. 41 00:06:06,199 --> 00:06:07,701 That's one option. 42 00:06:14,666 --> 00:06:15,667 Wait... 43 00:06:18,212 --> 00:06:19,671 No, wait... 44 00:06:21,381 --> 00:06:22,507 45 00:06:39,024 --> 00:06:40,317 Finish him. 46 00:06:51,495 --> 00:06:52,454 47 00:06:52,537 --> 00:06:54,998 48 00:07:06,134 --> 00:07:08,971 After the failed attempt on her brother's life, 49 00:07:11,974 --> 00:07:15,143 Lucilla knows her efforts have gone to waste... 50 00:07:15,227 --> 00:07:19,523 and her connection to the plot could be exposed at any moment. 51 00:07:35,706 --> 00:07:36,665 He talked. 52 00:07:37,165 --> 00:07:38,458 I'll hear it for myself. 53 00:07:39,376 --> 00:07:40,961 I'm afraid that won't be possible. 54 00:07:42,462 --> 00:07:43,547 So he's dead. 55 00:07:47,301 --> 00:07:48,594 Who else was involved? 56 00:07:50,387 --> 00:07:51,555 There's one more. 57 00:07:53,140 --> 00:07:54,141 Who? 58 00:07:56,852 --> 00:08:00,022 Your sister. Lucilla. 59 00:08:12,284 --> 00:08:13,994 Bring her to me. 60 00:08:22,377 --> 00:08:25,505 If you were Emperor, you would be 61 00:08:25,589 --> 00:08:29,176 the individual upon which millions of people depended 62 00:08:29,259 --> 00:08:30,886 on a day-to-day basis. 63 00:08:33,180 --> 00:08:36,141 But of course, it's far more than any one individual can pull off. 64 00:08:37,559 --> 00:08:39,311 You have to delegate. You need assistance. 65 00:08:39,394 --> 00:08:40,812 You have to find other people. 66 00:08:40,896 --> 00:08:43,607 But Roman society is incredibly competitive. 67 00:08:43,690 --> 00:08:45,692 Who do you trust? 68 00:09:18,976 --> 00:09:19,810 Bring her in. 69 00:09:39,997 --> 00:09:42,082 Senator Quintianus tried to kill me. 70 00:09:43,542 --> 00:09:44,626 He failed. 71 00:09:45,794 --> 00:09:47,087 So I've heard. 72 00:09:50,799 --> 00:09:52,509 Ask your question, brother. 73 00:10:00,183 --> 00:10:02,519 You are supposed to be the most powerful man in the world. 74 00:10:03,478 --> 00:10:04,771 Emperor of Rome. 75 00:10:06,815 --> 00:10:09,651 Is that why your playmate is not in chains beside me? 76 00:10:12,863 --> 00:10:14,740 Would it be too difficult for you? 77 00:10:16,950 --> 00:10:20,120 It always amazes me the lengths a woman will go to to cover up... 78 00:10:21,955 --> 00:10:23,832 well, anything really. 79 00:10:24,666 --> 00:10:26,752 I see you've a cut, Cleander. 80 00:10:27,586 --> 00:10:29,713 Is that from Saoterus's knife? 81 00:10:29,796 --> 00:10:30,881 Enough! 82 00:10:31,757 --> 00:10:33,342 Lies will get you nowhere. 83 00:10:36,303 --> 00:10:39,723 Just because you can't handle the answers doesn't make them lies. 84 00:10:41,683 --> 00:10:44,019 If you want to know why your sister wanted you dead, 85 00:10:44,603 --> 00:10:46,230 all you need do is ask. 86 00:10:50,150 --> 00:10:51,526 I've done nothing to you. 87 00:10:54,738 --> 00:10:56,114 You were born. 88 00:10:57,241 --> 00:10:59,534 And from the moment you entered this world, 89 00:11:00,244 --> 00:11:01,662 I've been pushed aside, 90 00:11:03,580 --> 00:11:06,625 forgotten, sold into marriage. 91 00:11:07,668 --> 00:11:09,545 All for the greater glory of Commodus. 92 00:11:10,045 --> 00:11:11,755 I never asked for any of that. 93 00:11:12,839 --> 00:11:15,634 And I never asked to be born a woman. 94 00:11:17,803 --> 00:11:20,931 To have our father turn his back on a century of tradition. 95 00:11:21,974 --> 00:11:24,309 To have no control over anything that happens to me. 96 00:11:24,393 --> 00:11:25,352 But here we are. 97 00:11:28,188 --> 00:11:29,481 You tried to kill me. 98 00:11:32,442 --> 00:11:34,194 You've taken my life, brother. 99 00:11:34,278 --> 00:11:37,030 I only thought it fair I do the same to you. 100 00:11:54,298 --> 00:11:56,884 Always the strong one, eh, Commodus? 101 00:12:05,475 --> 00:12:08,395 It seems your Emperor cares more for your family than you do. 102 00:12:13,358 --> 00:12:14,985 He will spare your life, 103 00:12:16,320 --> 00:12:18,280 but your time here in Rome is at an end. 104 00:12:19,907 --> 00:12:21,992 I must admit, Cleander, 105 00:12:24,036 --> 00:12:25,454 I am impressed. 106 00:12:40,844 --> 00:12:43,639 With her conspiracy, Lucilla was working directly 107 00:12:43,722 --> 00:12:45,807 with members of that inner circle. 108 00:12:46,433 --> 00:12:48,477 These were incredibly important people. 109 00:12:48,560 --> 00:12:51,813 This was not simply a minor plot, 110 00:12:51,897 --> 00:12:54,942 but this was essentially the inner workings of the state 111 00:12:55,025 --> 00:12:56,401 moving against itself. 112 00:13:06,370 --> 00:13:09,539 Cleander has successfully eliminated his competition... 113 00:13:10,666 --> 00:13:13,669 and any trace to his involvement in the plot. 114 00:13:21,677 --> 00:13:24,846 Commodus orders his sister to the Island of Capri, 115 00:13:25,722 --> 00:13:28,183 more than 100 miles from Rome... 116 00:13:34,481 --> 00:13:36,525 where she's forced to live in exile. 117 00:13:39,111 --> 00:13:41,738 118 00:14:17,649 --> 00:14:19,526 119 00:14:21,236 --> 00:14:22,613 120 00:14:54,561 --> 00:14:56,313 Commodus has her murdered. 121 00:14:57,522 --> 00:14:58,774 This isn't surprising. 122 00:14:58,857 --> 00:15:01,902 What else would you do with someone who has tried to assassinate you? 123 00:15:03,987 --> 00:15:06,865 With a member of your own family who has betrayed you? 124 00:15:07,741 --> 00:15:10,160 It's too risky to have them alive. 125 00:15:24,758 --> 00:15:27,678 After ordering the execution of his own sister, 126 00:15:28,762 --> 00:15:32,015 Commodus begins to distance himself from the throne... 127 00:15:34,685 --> 00:15:37,604 and Cleander sees the opportunity he's been waiting for. 128 00:15:46,738 --> 00:15:47,906 It's finished then. 129 00:15:50,742 --> 00:15:52,411 There were more on the list. 130 00:15:59,710 --> 00:16:02,129 If we don't act now, there will be others. 131 00:16:06,383 --> 00:16:07,843 They'll see it as an opening. 132 00:16:10,846 --> 00:16:11,930 Brother... 133 00:16:12,848 --> 00:16:14,766 Do we want to be seen as weak? 134 00:16:18,103 --> 00:16:19,021 No... 135 00:16:23,775 --> 00:16:25,277 I can't have this happen again. 136 00:16:27,696 --> 00:16:29,114 You can count on me. 137 00:16:33,285 --> 00:16:34,119 Cleander... 138 00:16:37,789 --> 00:16:38,957 I won't forget this. 139 00:16:47,966 --> 00:16:49,760 By deceiving Commodus, 140 00:16:50,636 --> 00:16:53,055 Cleander continues to gain his trust... 141 00:16:58,602 --> 00:17:01,647 and is soon given the position he's always wanted, 142 00:17:02,981 --> 00:17:05,651 Chief Advisor to the Roman Emperor. 143 00:17:13,075 --> 00:17:14,368 This is the biggest problem 144 00:17:14,451 --> 00:17:15,911 that Commodus faces. 145 00:17:15,994 --> 00:17:17,496 He is easily manipulated. 146 00:17:18,747 --> 00:17:20,916 He's easily manipulated by the various groups around him. 147 00:17:20,999 --> 00:17:23,794 And rather than taking a leadership position as the Emperor, 148 00:17:24,670 --> 00:17:25,712 he allows himself to be led. 149 00:17:25,796 --> 00:17:28,423 He allows himself to be put aside. 150 00:17:28,507 --> 00:17:33,804 And he allows individuals like Cleander to take up a leadership position. 151 00:17:44,064 --> 00:17:44,898 More. 152 00:18:16,763 --> 00:18:18,265 Commodus, it's late. 153 00:18:21,435 --> 00:18:23,604 It's not good for you to sit here drinking all night... 154 00:18:23,687 --> 00:18:26,315 I know it's been difficult, but this isn't going-- 155 00:18:26,398 --> 00:18:27,983 Done! Just... 156 00:18:30,235 --> 00:18:31,069 Enough. 157 00:18:41,371 --> 00:18:43,415 Just come to bed with me. 158 00:18:46,001 --> 00:18:47,753 And what would be the purpose of that? 159 00:18:54,676 --> 00:18:56,053 You have one job, 160 00:18:58,597 --> 00:19:00,057 and you have failed me... 161 00:19:01,391 --> 00:19:04,561 again and again. 162 00:19:07,272 --> 00:19:09,858 Tell me, dear wife, 163 00:19:11,443 --> 00:19:12,778 where is my son? 164 00:19:23,872 --> 00:19:26,041 Please Marcia, clean up my husband's mess. 165 00:19:34,424 --> 00:19:36,802 Crispina didn't produce any children. 166 00:19:37,719 --> 00:19:40,556 What a woman had to do was not be sexually attractive, 167 00:19:40,639 --> 00:19:42,099 but she must be able to have children. 168 00:19:42,182 --> 00:19:44,351 She must produce sons. 169 00:19:47,312 --> 00:19:48,814 Provided she did that, 170 00:19:48,897 --> 00:19:51,233 that was her main task. 171 00:19:51,316 --> 00:19:54,528 If she didn't do that, then that was potentially quite serious. 172 00:19:59,032 --> 00:20:02,244 173 00:20:29,062 --> 00:20:30,272 174 00:21:03,013 --> 00:21:06,683 As Commodus grows further detached from his role as Emperor, 175 00:21:08,310 --> 00:21:11,146 Cleander begins to consolidate his power. 176 00:21:15,609 --> 00:21:16,818 One of the most important figures 177 00:21:16,902 --> 00:21:19,071 for understanding the role of the Emperor Commodus 178 00:21:19,154 --> 00:21:20,572 is the figure of Cleander. 179 00:21:20,656 --> 00:21:24,201 Cleander was the second freedman 180 00:21:24,785 --> 00:21:27,663 that Commodus put enormous trust in. 181 00:21:28,205 --> 00:21:29,665 And Commodus had checked out at this point 182 00:21:29,748 --> 00:21:32,376 and was not interested in the serious business of governing. 183 00:21:33,126 --> 00:21:34,795 So what happens is Cleander, 184 00:21:34,878 --> 00:21:37,130 in particular we're told, sought to enrich himself. 185 00:21:41,718 --> 00:21:43,262 With his power cemented, 186 00:21:44,179 --> 00:21:47,099 Cleander can set in motion his ultimate plan. 187 00:21:49,977 --> 00:21:52,646 Determined to win favor among the Roman people, 188 00:21:53,605 --> 00:21:55,482 and amass a fortune of his own, 189 00:21:56,233 --> 00:22:00,153 Cleander begins selling off high-ranking positions in the Empire... 190 00:22:05,534 --> 00:22:07,452 starting with seats 191 00:22:07,536 --> 00:22:08,704 in the Roman Senate. 192 00:22:21,049 --> 00:22:22,175 Something the matter, Dio? 193 00:22:25,470 --> 00:22:27,973 I have never heard the Senate so silent. 194 00:22:32,185 --> 00:22:33,437 I wouldn't enjoy it too much. 195 00:22:34,980 --> 00:22:36,523 It's the sound of betrayal, after all. 196 00:22:36,607 --> 00:22:38,066 Or the absence of it. 197 00:22:38,567 --> 00:22:41,570 For these few who remain are as loyal as you and I, 198 00:22:41,653 --> 00:22:42,529 are they not? 199 00:22:43,572 --> 00:22:44,698 Perhaps, 200 00:22:45,866 --> 00:22:48,410 but wise men know things are not always as they appear. 201 00:22:48,493 --> 00:22:51,622 You speak the truth, Cleander. 202 00:22:54,041 --> 00:22:56,501 You know, it really is quite impressive, all you've accomplished, 203 00:22:56,585 --> 00:22:59,713 and there is much more to come, I have no doubt. 204 00:23:00,255 --> 00:23:04,426 But for now, the business of the Senate awaits us old wise men. 205 00:23:06,178 --> 00:23:07,846 You forget yourself, Dio. 206 00:23:10,224 --> 00:23:11,808 Not all of the Senate are here. 207 00:23:36,250 --> 00:23:38,085 By removing the old guard, 208 00:23:39,628 --> 00:23:41,421 and selling seats to his allies, 209 00:23:43,549 --> 00:23:46,343 Cleander has secured the Senate's loyalty... 210 00:23:52,766 --> 00:23:56,103 and has disturbed the balance of an institution 211 00:23:56,645 --> 00:24:00,107 that has governed for nearly 700 years. 212 00:24:05,904 --> 00:24:08,198 Since the founding of the republic, 213 00:24:09,575 --> 00:24:13,161 seats of the Senate have been reserved for the elite. 214 00:24:15,247 --> 00:24:16,081 Traditionally, 215 00:24:16,164 --> 00:24:17,332 to be in the Senate 216 00:24:17,416 --> 00:24:20,961 was to attain the very pinnacle of status within the Roman state. 217 00:24:21,587 --> 00:24:25,340 It took its name from the Latin for "old man", senex. 218 00:24:25,424 --> 00:24:29,052 It embodied the great and the good of the city. 219 00:24:32,222 --> 00:24:34,766 Only those from Senate lineage 220 00:24:34,850 --> 00:24:36,518 are eligible for service. 221 00:24:38,854 --> 00:24:40,397 To be a Senator in Rome, 222 00:24:40,480 --> 00:24:44,568 your father had to be a Senator. So it was largely hereditary. 223 00:24:45,485 --> 00:24:48,655 Cassius Dio, he was a Senator and later a consul, 224 00:24:48,739 --> 00:24:51,158 and his father had been a Senator. 225 00:24:51,241 --> 00:24:55,996 So he's very much from the aristocratic part of Roman society. 226 00:25:06,215 --> 00:25:08,508 With the Senate in his pocket, 227 00:25:08,592 --> 00:25:11,303 Cleander now looks to the Roman people, 228 00:25:12,387 --> 00:25:16,058 and believes there's only one way to guarantee their support. 229 00:25:18,936 --> 00:25:22,356 Cleander knows the masses are a powerful force in the Empire. 230 00:25:23,649 --> 00:25:26,109 and he can solidify their dependence, 231 00:25:26,610 --> 00:25:28,320 and gain their favor, 232 00:25:29,154 --> 00:25:31,281 by threatening their food supply. 233 00:25:34,826 --> 00:25:36,245 For centuries, 234 00:25:36,328 --> 00:25:40,457 the survival of the Empire has depended on imported grain. 235 00:25:44,461 --> 00:25:45,879 The city of Rome was probably 236 00:25:45,963 --> 00:25:48,590 over one million people strong. 237 00:25:48,674 --> 00:25:51,843 It's an enormous city by preindustrial standards. 238 00:25:52,469 --> 00:25:55,055 Because of that, they ship huge quantities of grain in 239 00:25:55,138 --> 00:25:58,225 from North Africa and above all, from Egypt, 240 00:25:58,308 --> 00:26:00,644 and they give it to every Roman citizen. 241 00:26:01,186 --> 00:26:02,771 It probably accounts for something like 242 00:26:02,854 --> 00:26:08,610 40 or 50 percent of the family food requirement in each year. 243 00:26:08,694 --> 00:26:12,030 So it's a very significant perk of being a Roman citizen. 244 00:26:16,118 --> 00:26:17,119 But in Rome, 245 00:26:18,203 --> 00:26:20,747 grain does more than just feed the people. 246 00:26:21,999 --> 00:26:25,711 As those in power have used rations and shortages... 247 00:26:27,254 --> 00:26:29,715 to keep control of the lower classes. 248 00:26:32,843 --> 00:26:35,554 Rome had vastly outgrown the capacity 249 00:26:35,637 --> 00:26:37,514 to feed those who lived in it. 250 00:26:38,640 --> 00:26:41,852 So, ambitious Roman politicians had begun to recognize 251 00:26:41,935 --> 00:26:47,065 that a way to entrench power was to provide 252 00:26:47,149 --> 00:26:49,610 the mass of common citizens in the city 253 00:26:50,068 --> 00:26:51,778 with a bread dole. 254 00:26:52,696 --> 00:26:55,949 But if they did not supply bread to the Roman people, 255 00:26:57,075 --> 00:26:59,745 then their own survival might well be at stake. 256 00:27:02,164 --> 00:27:05,000 Determined to gain the favor of the Roman people, 257 00:27:06,084 --> 00:27:08,754 Cleander devises a sophisticated plan. 258 00:27:10,797 --> 00:27:13,550 He believes if he can manipulate the grain supply, 259 00:27:14,468 --> 00:27:16,845 he can create a food crisis in Rome. 260 00:27:22,684 --> 00:27:24,061 Take this to the Senate. 261 00:27:27,648 --> 00:27:30,400 Cleander looks at his position 262 00:27:30,484 --> 00:27:33,904 as a way for him to gain his own power and gain his own popularity. 263 00:27:34,571 --> 00:27:39,159 The rumors being of course that Cleander takes stores of food and keeps them, 264 00:27:39,243 --> 00:27:41,203 and then purposely creates 265 00:27:41,286 --> 00:27:44,289 a famine within the city so that he can come out as the hero, 266 00:27:44,373 --> 00:27:46,458 and popular among the people. 267 00:27:56,093 --> 00:27:59,263 While Cleander continues his campaign for power, 268 00:28:00,514 --> 00:28:03,100 Commodus returns to his reckless ways. 269 00:28:29,585 --> 00:28:33,005 270 00:29:40,030 --> 00:29:42,950 Marcia is a slave in the royal palace. 271 00:29:43,867 --> 00:29:46,078 But after catching the eye of the Emperor, 272 00:29:47,329 --> 00:29:50,499 she becomes his personal servant and mistress, 273 00:29:51,333 --> 00:29:54,086 known in Rome as a concubine. 274 00:29:58,173 --> 00:29:59,424 In the palace, 275 00:30:00,008 --> 00:30:03,095 the Emperor has his choice of attractive slaves... 276 00:30:05,180 --> 00:30:09,268 servants available for pleasure day and night. 277 00:30:10,894 --> 00:30:12,938 To be sure, Emperors, by and large, 278 00:30:13,939 --> 00:30:15,857 slept with as many people as they wanted, 279 00:30:15,941 --> 00:30:17,401 used as many people as they wanted. 280 00:30:18,318 --> 00:30:21,154 Provided that they were not of citizen status. 281 00:30:28,287 --> 00:30:31,582 There was a provision in Roman law that 282 00:30:31,665 --> 00:30:33,333 any Roman, not just an Emperor, 283 00:30:33,417 --> 00:30:35,669 could indeed have a concubine. 284 00:30:37,129 --> 00:30:40,799 Concubinage was a status under Roman law, 285 00:30:40,883 --> 00:30:44,511 but it was less common for an Emperor to do it 286 00:30:44,595 --> 00:30:48,056 quite as openly as Commodus took Marcia. 287 00:30:51,602 --> 00:30:55,439 But while Marcia begins spending more time with the Emperor, 288 00:30:56,273 --> 00:30:58,025 she's still a servant in the palace... 289 00:30:59,860 --> 00:31:02,613 alongside her husband, Eclectus. 290 00:31:08,327 --> 00:31:09,995 Hey, I thought you were done for the night. 291 00:31:10,579 --> 00:31:13,540 The Emperor required me, but I'm going to bed now. 292 00:31:48,408 --> 00:31:49,368 Please sit down. 293 00:31:55,457 --> 00:31:56,542 You're leaving Rome. 294 00:31:58,835 --> 00:32:00,003 Where are we going? 295 00:32:03,006 --> 00:32:04,591 You'll go to the country estate. 296 00:32:06,301 --> 00:32:08,637 It'll be safe there, away from the plague. 297 00:32:10,180 --> 00:32:11,848 You'll follow later, then. 298 00:32:13,141 --> 00:32:14,685 My place is in Rome. 299 00:32:18,021 --> 00:32:19,648 How long will I be gone for? 300 00:32:21,275 --> 00:32:22,776 I'll send for you when I think it's safe to return. 301 00:32:22,859 --> 00:32:25,445 -But I don't want to leave-- -It's best you leave immediately. 302 00:32:27,781 --> 00:32:28,865 Safer. 303 00:32:38,333 --> 00:32:40,419 -Marcia, let's go. -No. 304 00:32:41,253 --> 00:32:43,255 Marcia and Eclectus will stay with me. 305 00:32:49,720 --> 00:32:51,263 You'll let me know when wish me to return? 306 00:32:59,646 --> 00:33:00,772 As soon as it's safe. 307 00:33:06,737 --> 00:33:08,322 For Commodus, 308 00:33:08,405 --> 00:33:12,367 the Empress has failed one of the most important roles in the palace. 309 00:33:14,786 --> 00:33:16,330 Unable to give him an heir, 310 00:33:18,165 --> 00:33:19,917 she's banished to Capri, 311 00:33:21,210 --> 00:33:23,295 never to return to Rome. 312 00:33:31,929 --> 00:33:34,765 The Emperor's focus continues to drift, 313 00:33:35,641 --> 00:33:39,811 allowing Cleander to continue with his ruthless scheme. 314 00:33:41,396 --> 00:33:43,315 But news of the grain shortage 315 00:33:43,398 --> 00:33:46,652 soon reaches high-ranking members of the Senate. 316 00:33:47,110 --> 00:33:48,237 Now go see to it. 317 00:33:50,280 --> 00:33:52,449 You seem to have taken to the managing of the city well. 318 00:33:52,532 --> 00:33:54,117 All it takes is a firm hand. 319 00:33:55,535 --> 00:33:58,580 Strength. I've never lacked for that. 320 00:33:58,664 --> 00:34:01,667 I'm sure you already have a plan to deal with the grain shortage. 321 00:34:02,834 --> 00:34:04,294 Well, it's certainly strange. 322 00:34:05,295 --> 00:34:08,549 All shipments from Alexandria have stopped, but no one knows why. 323 00:34:08,632 --> 00:34:10,509 I'm aware of the grain shortage. 324 00:34:12,427 --> 00:34:13,512 And... 325 00:34:14,263 --> 00:34:16,014 Do you intend to do anything about it? 326 00:34:16,098 --> 00:34:17,975 I intend to manage it. 327 00:34:19,017 --> 00:34:20,269 Well, within the week, 328 00:34:20,352 --> 00:34:22,563 the mills at the Aqua Traiana will have nothing to produce, 329 00:34:22,646 --> 00:34:24,439 and then a few days after that, 330 00:34:25,315 --> 00:34:27,734 all distribution in the city will cease. 331 00:34:28,610 --> 00:34:30,070 People will starve. 332 00:34:32,030 --> 00:34:35,367 And I'm sure the Senate would resolve this through endless discussion. 333 00:34:37,369 --> 00:34:38,537 No, Dio. 334 00:34:39,246 --> 00:34:42,958 You may talk as much as you wish. The palace will act. 335 00:34:43,542 --> 00:34:47,170 Oh, so the Emperor is aware of the danger to his beloved city? 336 00:34:48,839 --> 00:34:51,466 The Emperor is not to be bothered with trivialities. 337 00:34:57,222 --> 00:35:00,976 Cleander has redirected shipments of grain from Egypt, 338 00:35:02,060 --> 00:35:04,771 stashing them away for just the right moment. 339 00:35:07,816 --> 00:35:09,776 But what he fails to predict, 340 00:35:10,402 --> 00:35:13,947 is that the food shortage, and spreading famine, 341 00:35:14,031 --> 00:35:18,076 create the perfect conditions for the return of the plague. 342 00:35:18,577 --> 00:35:19,494 Gentlemen. 343 00:35:20,162 --> 00:35:21,288 Try the wine. 344 00:35:22,205 --> 00:35:23,540 It's delicious. 345 00:35:31,340 --> 00:35:32,174 Throughout Rome, 346 00:35:35,844 --> 00:35:37,596 thousands fall ill 347 00:35:39,723 --> 00:35:42,476 as the plague wreaks havoc on the Roman people. 348 00:35:51,610 --> 00:35:54,154 Large cities, like Rome, 349 00:35:54,238 --> 00:35:56,907 had poor sort of health systems. 350 00:35:57,616 --> 00:36:03,205 And so, they were sinks of germs and diseases of one sort or another. 351 00:36:03,288 --> 00:36:07,042 And it took a very long time for that to be shaken off. 352 00:36:10,087 --> 00:36:12,130 With riots breaking out around the city, 353 00:36:13,257 --> 00:36:16,969 word of starvation and disease reaches the palace. 354 00:36:17,052 --> 00:36:18,637 355 00:36:36,405 --> 00:36:38,532 Cleander, thank you for coming. 356 00:36:39,199 --> 00:36:40,993 Would you mind filling my cup? 357 00:36:42,953 --> 00:36:43,954 Certainly. 358 00:36:49,126 --> 00:36:51,670 The plague. What are we doing about it? 359 00:36:54,256 --> 00:36:55,924 All that we can, of course. 360 00:36:59,636 --> 00:37:02,180 We are disposing of the bodies as quickly as possible, 361 00:37:03,140 --> 00:37:06,810 setting up quarantines and sick tents outside the city. 362 00:37:08,228 --> 00:37:09,187 Don't worry. 363 00:37:09,646 --> 00:37:11,231 We'll have it taken care of in no time. 364 00:37:12,524 --> 00:37:14,610 Why am I hearing that my people are starving? 365 00:37:16,570 --> 00:37:20,282 We're having issues with the grain shipments. 366 00:37:21,950 --> 00:37:24,369 Hungry people get sick. Sick people die. 367 00:37:25,203 --> 00:37:26,371 People need food. 368 00:37:26,830 --> 00:37:28,832 I'm afraid it's not as easy as it sounds. 369 00:37:29,958 --> 00:37:31,793 Double the subsidies. 370 00:37:31,877 --> 00:37:33,545 The shipments will straighten themselves out. 371 00:37:35,088 --> 00:37:36,673 In the meantime, the people need food. 372 00:37:40,969 --> 00:37:43,597 Of course. You're right. I'll double the grain shipments now. 373 00:37:50,145 --> 00:37:52,481 Is there anything else my Emperor requires? 374 00:37:53,941 --> 00:37:55,525 Perhaps some time alone. 375 00:37:57,694 --> 00:37:58,528 376 00:38:00,697 --> 00:38:03,242 377 00:38:20,968 --> 00:38:22,970 With his advisor at the helm, 378 00:38:23,679 --> 00:38:27,015 Commodus continues to avoid his obligations. 379 00:38:31,853 --> 00:38:33,522 But what he doesn't realize... 380 00:38:34,273 --> 00:38:36,525 is that in the hands of his trusted advisor, 381 00:38:37,818 --> 00:38:39,528 the fate of his beloved city 382 00:38:40,362 --> 00:38:41,613 is in danger. 383 00:38:56,128 --> 00:38:59,256 The streets of Rome have turned to chaos. 384 00:39:03,176 --> 00:39:06,054 But Cleander is determined to stick to his plan, 385 00:39:06,847 --> 00:39:10,809 believing he still has time to release his grain supply 386 00:39:11,476 --> 00:39:13,103 and save the Empire. 387 00:39:17,983 --> 00:39:19,276 But before he can act, 388 00:39:21,069 --> 00:39:24,406 the masses begin to blame the royal palace 389 00:39:24,990 --> 00:39:27,659 and voice their frustrations on the city walls. 390 00:39:33,540 --> 00:39:36,251 Used as a means of communication, 391 00:39:38,754 --> 00:39:42,382 graffiti is a powerful tool of the Roman people. 392 00:39:48,847 --> 00:39:51,934 Graffiti was very commonplace in the Roman Empire. 393 00:39:52,017 --> 00:39:53,936 If you look at the city of Pompeii, 394 00:39:54,019 --> 00:39:57,356 there are 13,000 examples of it that survive 395 00:39:57,439 --> 00:40:00,734 in a town that had a population of probably only that size. 396 00:40:02,069 --> 00:40:04,446 Mostly the graffiti is about politics. 397 00:40:04,529 --> 00:40:07,783 It's saying, "Vote for so-and-so in the upcoming election." 398 00:40:07,866 --> 00:40:10,285 Or they are criticizing other people. 399 00:40:10,369 --> 00:40:14,081 Or many of them are just names scratched onto the surfaces. 400 00:40:15,832 --> 00:40:17,668 401 00:40:20,921 --> 00:40:21,880 As anger spreads, 402 00:40:23,632 --> 00:40:26,218 the Roman people demand answers... 403 00:40:31,139 --> 00:40:35,394 and begin to call for the man Commodus trusted with the food supply... 404 00:40:36,687 --> 00:40:37,688 Cleander. 405 00:40:50,617 --> 00:40:53,078 406 00:41:15,350 --> 00:41:16,935 407 00:41:31,325 --> 00:41:33,785 That's him! That's Cleander. 408 00:41:35,162 --> 00:41:36,204 409 00:41:40,500 --> 00:41:41,543 Get away from me! 410 00:42:00,270 --> 00:42:01,355 You... 411 00:42:01,438 --> 00:42:02,898 I want two guards on every door. 412 00:42:02,981 --> 00:42:04,316 No one is to enter the palace! 413 00:42:05,234 --> 00:42:07,694 414 00:42:23,877 --> 00:42:24,711 Commodus! 415 00:42:28,882 --> 00:42:30,509 416 00:42:41,311 --> 00:42:42,563 The whole city's gone mad. 417 00:42:43,063 --> 00:42:45,315 They attacked me in the streets! I'm lucky to have gotten back here alive. 418 00:42:45,399 --> 00:42:46,942 Why would they attack you? 419 00:42:47,025 --> 00:42:48,652 Why are my people calling for your head? 420 00:42:52,322 --> 00:42:53,657 Cleander, what did you do? 421 00:42:54,866 --> 00:42:56,243 What did you do?