Building the Ancient City: Rome

Synopsis

Building the Ancient City: Rome, presented by renowned historian Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, delves into the architectural marvels and urban planning of ancient Rome. This documentary explores the city's transformation from a modest settlement into a sprawling metropolis exemplifying Roman engineering, culture, and politics. Through expert commentary, archaeological evidence, and vivid reconstructions, viewers gain insight into the city's iconic structures such as the Forum, aqueducts, temples, and roads. The program reveals how innovations in construction and city planning reflected and facilitated Rome's rise as a dominant civilization that left a lasting impact on the Western world.

Cast

• Andrew Wallace-Hadrill

  Self

Reviews

Building the Ancient City: Rome has been generally well-received by critics and history enthusiasts alike. On IMDb, the documentary holds a respectable rating of 7.4/10, with viewers praising its detailed exploration of ancient urban development and the engaging presentation by Andrew Wallace-Hadrill. Reviewers from History Extra noted, "Wallace-Hadrill’s authoritative narration brings the ancient city to life, making complex archaeological and historical information accessible and compelling." However, some critics from The Guardian mentioned that while the documentary excels in historical analysis, it occasionally lacks in dynamic storytelling, leading to a slower pace that might challenge casual viewers. Metacritic does not have an aggregated score for this film, but individual reviews point out the documentary’s value for academic and educational audiences. Rotten Tomatoes does not list this title, reflecting its niche but respected standing within documentary circles. Overall, Building the Ancient City: Rome is praised for its meticulous research and educational value, though its appeal is strongest among viewers with an interest in ancient history and archaeology.