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The series, filmed entirely in Rome and South Central Italy, was directed by John Gray and Kim Manners , and produced by Carrie Henderson and Nick Gillott (episodes 4 & 6). It was written by Sara B. Cooper, Chip Johannessen, Tom Wheeler and William Wheeler. PLOT Upon returning to the Senate , Julius Caesar is murdered by his fellow senators, who fear his increasing power and popularity amongst the citizens of Rome. However they are not able to gain the support of Marc Antony , who is appalled at their treachery. Meanwhile, Tyrannus, Caesar’s bodyguard, and a former Gladiator undefeated in battle, is distracted by the senate with the kidnapping of his son Piso. He manages to rescue Piso, but meanwhile Caesar is assassinated, and he cannot get back in time. However, Caesar remains alive long enough to tell him that his nephew Gaius Octavius is to be his successor. Trusted to protect Octavius, the pair seek alliances to overthrow the Senate. Octavius believes he can win the support of Mark Antony. Antony agrees to join him, and even signs a document to say Octavius has the support of his troops if he should die. However, Octavius makes the naïve mistake of offering Antony leadership if he himself should perish. Antony then has Octavius killed, or so it seems, but when he is being disposed of, Marcus Agrippa finds he is still alive, and joins Octavius, helping him to escape. With the help of Agrippa and others, Octavius sets out for Gaul , where he aims to enlist the help of the Third Legion. According to the story, the third legion was disgraced in battle, and Julius Caesar had one in every ten men killed ( Decimation ). They have remained in Gaul ever since, and are known as the ‘Lost Legion’. They at first want to kill Octavius, who they see in the same light as Caesar, but Octavius is able to win their support, with the help of Cicero . Meanwhile Tyrannus joins Mark Antony as a Centurion , thinking Octavius dead, and in exchange his son will be free and he may join the nobility. He saves one of his men from being killed, which nearly costs him his own life, but earns him the respect of his men. Mark Antony, having now allied with the Senate, hears of Octavius, and moves quickly to intercept him, before he can gain too large a following. He brings an army with him, including the men under command of Tyrannus. Octavius rallies his troops, despite being heavily outnumbered in battle. They begin to lose men, and Antony appears to have won, but Tyrannus changes sides. The tide of the battle turns, and Mark Antony is left at the mercy of Octavius in battle, unable to defend himself. He gives him mercy, allowing him to live. The ending focuses on Tyrannus, who having saved Octavius, becomes a free man, and sees his son again. RECEPTION The series has received a mixed response, with many Film Critics giving negative reviews. The drama has been criticized for its lack of historical accuracy and tendency to portray the characters in a simplistic way as either "good guys" or "bad guys". It was also thought to be heavily imitative of the film Gladiator . Others found the series entertaining, and enjoyed the action and drama, while learning a little at the same time. CAST
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