Chapters
“Those About to Die” is the latest series that takes the viewer to the world of ancient Rome, namely 79 CE and the reign of Emperor Vespasian. The premiere of the series, which can be watched on the Amazon Prime platform, took place on July 18, 2024. What can we say about the series from a historical perspective? To what extent has it been consistent with scientific knowledge and ancient sources?
Warning: the text contains spoilers and details about the plot.
The role of the founder of the Flavian dynasty was played by the outstanding actor Anthony Hopkins. The cast also includes: Jojo Macari, who played Domitian, and Tom Hughes, who played Titus.
Plot
As mentioned, the action takes place in 79 CE, i.e. at the end of the life of Emperor Vespasian, who must decide which of his sons will succeed him. The elder – Titus – is a great leader, but he has to face criticism from the people and the ruler himself regarding his affair and bringing the Jewish princess of Judea – Berenice – to Rome; After years of war and suppression of rebellion in Judea, the mood towards the Jews is not the best. Domitian, in turn, as the younger son, seeks the support of his father. To this end, he effectively manipulates, influencing the social and political mood in Rome. His main goal is to try to rebuild his bad financial situation and repay his debts and gain power after his father’s death; to this end, he effectively fuels his father’s uncertainty regarding Tytus’ candidacy.
However, the main plot of the film focuses on the presentation of brutal and intrigue-filled Rome. A city dominated by politicians and people from the underworld tries to influence the lowest social classes while accumulating huge fortunes. For this purpose, free food is distributed or simple and bloody entertainment is organized. During the imperial period, the incumbent emperor was blamed for their lack. For this purpose, on Vespasian’s orders, the mighty Flavian Amphitheater was built for almost 10 years, which was to bring him and his family eternal glory among the people, and additionally provide the masses with the necessary entertainment.
In the 10-episode series, we meet numerous characters who deal in various professions. The screen shows, among others: the outstanding charioteer Scorpus, who gives the Blues subsequent victories in chariot races at the Circus Maximus; Tenax, who is responsible for the “bookmaker” and de facto decides the results of the races; consul Marsus involved in the organization and patronage of events; Kwame – a wild game hunter and later an arena gladiator.
The plot focuses on showing the difficulties of managing the Roman state and the all-encompassing plots and intrigues. Moreover, we get to know Rome as the one that offers brutal and the simplest possible entertainment for the masses.
Below I have addressed several issues that I believe are worth explaining from a historical perspective.
Which heroes are historical figures?
- Vespasian – emperor who lived from 9 to 79 CE and reigned from 69 to 79 CE. He took part in the succession struggle after Nero’s death and was elected emperor and recognized by the Senate. He created a new dynasty – the Flavian dynasty.
- Titus Flavius - the elder son of Vespasian (lived 39-81 CE), who accompanied him in suppressing the Jewish uprising (66-73 CE). After his father left for Rome, he became the commander-in-chief of the Roman army in Judea and brought the war to an end. After Vespasian’s death, he became emperor of Rome and ruled from 79 to 81 CE, immortalizing the completion of the construction of the Colosseum with great games.
- Domitian – the younger son of Vespasian (lived 51-96 CE), who ruled after his brother’s death, in 81-96 CE. His rule was very poorly remembered in historical sources. He became famous for his autocratic rule and terror. He ordered himself to be called Dominus et Deus and severely punished those who refused to do so. Murdered in the imperial palace in Rome as a result of a conspiracy between the praetorians, the imperial chamberlain and the empress Domitia.
- Scorpus lived in the 1st century CE and he was indeed one of the greatest charioteers in the ancient world – he was supposed to have won 2,048 victories on the track. He was something of a sports superstar at the time. In the series, he was presented as a representative of the Blue team (veneta), when in fact he belonged to the Green team (prasina). Scorpus lived to be 27 years old1; we don’t know how he died, but we can suspect that he was involved in a fatal accident on the track or died intentionally, as was conveyed in the series.
- Berenike was a princess of Judea who met Titus during the Jewish uprising. Their romance was met with great reluctance by both Romans and Jews. Forced to leave Rome by Vespasian, she returned to Rome after Titus took power, only to be forgotten by fate.
The remaining characters on screen are fictional.
Death of Vespasian
Vespasian’s death was shown correctly in the series. He died in 79 CE. and according to historical records, Vespasian, sensing the end of his life, ironically said: “It seems to me that I am becoming a god” and ordered himself to stand up, saying “The Emperor of the Romans dies standing”2. The only thing left out of the series was the issue of stomach problems, which probably led to his death. Vespasian died at the age of 70.
Death of Berenice
In the series, Berenice was killed when she wanted to give Titus information about Domitian’s conspiracy and the planned murder of him. Ancient sources tell us nothing about Berenice’s life after Titus’s death.
Did Domitian have Titus killed?
In the last episode, Titus Flavius dies at the hand of Tenax, who cooperated with Domitian, in an organized coup d’état. Titus was strangled so that the cause of his death could not be known; Domitian claims that his brother ate poisoned food.
The sources do not say specifically that Titus died on Domitian’s orders; there were only some rumors. According to Suetonius, Titus was officially supposed to die of a fever3, but Domitian was deliberately not to help him (Cassius Dio, who mentions Domitian’s plots against Titus, claimed similarly). According to Flavius Philostratus, Titus was poisoned by Domitian.
To sum up, the authors of the series based the scene on historical sources.
“Andalusian horses”
The term “Andalusian horses” or “Andalusia” is used many times in the series, referring to southern Spain. In ancient times, there was no Andalusia as such. The southern region of Spain should be described as Baetica.
Kwame giving the wooden sword to his sister – Juli
After winning the arena fight with Viggo, Kwame receives rudis – a wooden sword symbolizing the freedom he has received. To everyone’s surprise, he gives the sword to his sister Juli, thus giving her freedom. This behavior is not supported by any information in the sources.
Naval battles in the Colosseum?
Of course, naumachias, or sea battles, took place in the Colosseum. Such events were organized in the Colosseum during the reign of Titus and Domitian.
How many factions were there?
The fans were divided into specific factions (factiones), depending on their colors. In ancient Rome, four such fan clubs were classically distinguished: Reds (russata), Greens (prasina), Whites (albata) and Blues (veneta). During Domitian’s time, two additional teams were introduced: Purple and Golden; however, soon after his death in 96 CE disappeared.
So, the show is historically accurate here. However, we have no information that Scorpus was to be the coach of a new team or moved to other factions.
Summary
To sum up, the series does not stray far from history and should be acceptable to people who value historical credibility. However, I must emphasize that, unfortunately, I expected much more from a series for which very large sums of money were spent. I was not impressed by either the acting or the computer effects, which sometimes seemed to me to be of very poor quality; what’s more, it took me a long time to watch it. The series can certainly find its audience, but I won’t be tempted to watch another season.
