Professor Mary Beard to present new BBC documentary series

Professor Mary Beard

The success and subsequent downfall of the Roman Empire will be discussed by Professor Mary Beard in a new four-part BBC documentary series.

Mary Beard’s Ultimate Rome: Empire Without Limit will begin on Wednesday, April 27 at 9pm on BBC Two.

It is driven by questions which have fascinated and intrigued Beard, a Newnham alumna and Fellow, throughout her academic career. Why the Romans? What made them special? What formula for empire building did they have and why does it still seem so relevant today? Alongside these more familiar queries, myth-busting Beard always asks the unexpected questions.

Viewers will see how Rome accumulated territory and allies throughout Italy, building an unstoppable momentum, and eventually taking on its great rival – Carthage. As Rome’s territory expanded, Beard explores how Romans dealt with new cultures and ideas.