PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Travel back in time to the glamour and bloodshed of ancient Rome's gladiatorial world, where men fought for their lives to satisfy the whims of emperors and a bloodthirsty populace. Combining compelling narrative with state-of-the-art computer graphics and high-quality drama reconstruction, this production throws new light on the way gladiators really fought and trained, and reveals that many of them were the superstars of their age: even noblemen aspired to be gladiators. What caused the notorious arena to be built, and what made Roman society demand such extreme entertainment to be played out there? Colosseum revolves around the true story of Verus, who rises from slave to star gladiator, but who faces the ultimate challenge in one of the very few gladiatorial fights that was recorded and described by contemporary writers. Its outcome was quite unexpected. Discover Verus' story, live his journey and experience his quest for freedom.

Producer/Director Tilman Remme; Executive Producer Jonathan Stamp

Also available: interactive programme support website

"One of the best dramatic documentaries ever screened - a mini-Gladiator... Live action, computer generation, top entertainment. Thumbs up!" London Evening Standard; "With Robert Shannon playing the handsome hunk Verus, you'll be willing him on all the way." Daily Telegraph; "...high production values and interesting nuggets of information..." Daily Mail

DURATION
1 x 50'