Lost Treasures of Rome Series 2

Pompeii was a thriving town on the southern coast of Italy, until it came to a sudden end in 79AD.

The eruption of a nearby volcano, Mount Vesuvius, buried the city in millions of tonnes of ash and debris. Now excavators are digging to unearth the dark side of this idyllic Roman town by uncovering an enslaved person’s room.

Gladiators capture the imagination like no other aspect of Ancient Rome. But who were they and what was the secret of their appeal?

We follow a new season of excavations to find answers. Teams scale the façade of Rome’s famous Colosseum, decipher warrior tombstones and unearth an extraordinary lost amphitheatre in Turkey, transforming the popular image of savage and bloodthirsty gladiator combat.

Under Emperor Trajan the Roman empire grew to its largest extent, covering vast swathes of the Middle East. How did Rome conquer these searing deserts?

We follow archaeologists as they excavate a buried Roman city and descend into an exquisite fresco-covered tomb in Jordan, dive a sunken temple and explore the iconic rock-cut city of Petra, to expose how Rome kept a firm grip on its new territory.

The Roman Empire dominated millions of miles of land – and sea. What secrets powered its rule over the waves for four centuries?

 We follow archaeologists as they plunge underwater to excavate a newly discovered 1st-century Roman shipwreck, explore long-lost ports in Italy’s bay of Naples, and reconstruct and race two ancient Roman ships to unravel the maritime mastery that anchored an empire.

At its peak in the 2nd century CE, the Roman Empire spanned three continents and controlled 25% of the world’s population.

Now, archaeologists are excavating this vast frontier, investigating the monumental fortifications, fierce battles, and terrifying weapons that ensured Rome's astonishing dominance.

Nero is Rome’s most famous villain – but what is the truth behind the myths?

This season archaeologists reveal the stunning new discovery of Nero’s private theatre in the heart of Rome, once thought to only exist in ancient texts and legend. Experts explore Nero’s birthplace and excavate Roman tombs to trace his collision course with the senate that spelled his doom and sealed his place in infamy.