Summary
Peacock’s ancient Rome epicThose About to Dieis steeped in real history, as evidenced by the frequent references to and impacts from the Year of Four Emperors. The show doesn’t go into a huge amount of detail about it after the first few episodes as the events of the series are focused on the current narrative and future plans, not looking backward. It’s Anthony Hopkins' character, Vespasian, who reminds his sons a few times that it was he who restored order to Rome after the nightmarish year and foundedThose About to Die’s Flavian dynasty. The rest ofThose About to Die’s cast of characters references the past, but more obliquely.
Understandably,Those About to Die, released on Peacock on June 18, chooses to look forward rather than back. That doesn’t mean the Year of Four Emperors isn’t an important part of the series' backstory, as it provides context for the actions of any number of characters and the overall feel of uncertainty and turmoil regarding life in Rome. For the Romans of that era, upheaval and sudden, violent change was a way of life for nobility and plebians alike,with few periods as chaotic and stressful as the Year of Four Emperors.
Who Is Gianluca Bombardone? Those About To Die Episode 1’s Dedication Explained
Viewers may have spotted the dedication to a Gianluca Bombardone at the end of Those About to Die episode 1, and there’s a sad story behind it.
Nero’s Suicide Led To A Fight For The Control Of Rome
The End Of Nero’s Reign Was Volatile And Plagued With Disaster
Despite his reputation for being cruel and mentally unbalanced by the end,the first years of Nero’s 14-year reign were actually quite successful.For the era, his early decisions randed him a reformist. Among the accomplishments of his first few years, Nero banished secret trials for Senators and restored more independence to the Roman Senate. He also cut taxes, making everyone happy. In a more progressive move, Nero allowed slaves to file official grievances against their masters and also eradicated capital punishment.
However, Nero’s more excessive and unstable tendencies started undermining the goodwill he’d built up earlier in his rule. Nero’s cruelty and paranoia started to grow, as did his depravity, and he began executing his rivals and suspected conspirators, including his own mother. Multiple disasters piled up in a few short years, culminating in the Great Fire of Rome, which burned an enormous portion of the city to the ground. Eventually, the nobility of the city and even some of Nero’s allies had had enough, and the Senate declared him a public enemy with a target on his back.He was assassinated on June 9, 68 AD,and his death ended the Julio-Claudian dynasty, plunging the city into chaos.
Four Different Emperors Seized Power In One Year
All But One Were Assassinated
After Nero’s death,Rome was in turmoil as he had no natural heir or appointed successor to the throne,meaning it was up for grabs. The next year and a few months saw a quick succession of emperors all take the throne before being assassinated. In ancient Rome, there was no transitioning to a new dynasty peacefully; the only way to leave the throne was through a natural death or an expedited one.
First, it was Galba, who ruled for six months until 69 AD. His rule ended with his assassination. Then, the man who had orchestrated the assassination, Otho, sat on the throne. His rule lasted only three months; he, too, was assassinated. Vitellius was the third man on the throne and he managed a whole eight months before – in a shocking turn of events – he was also killed.That left Vespasian as the last man standing,as depicted inThose About to Die.
October 54-June 68 AD
June 68-January 69 AD
December 69-June 79 AD
June 79-September 81 AD
September 81-September 96 AD
Vespasian Brought Stability To Rome
He’s Largely Regarded Today As A Prudent And Fiscally Responsible Ruler
Thankfully, once Vespasian took the emperor’s role, there was no more fighting and he soon brought stability and peace – or as much peace as ancient Rome allowed – to the land. His first order of business was to quickly reestablish grain trade with Egypt and ensure that shipments of grain arrived quickly and regularly. Thanks to his previous military might and prowess, and the fact that he was the first emperor in generations to visit Egypt,Vespasian earned the title of both emperor and pharaoh,winning the respect and love of his people.
With his ascension to the throne, the chaos of the past 18 months and the Year of Four Emperors came to a welcome close. Not every decision he made was well-loved by all, such as his decision to resurrect certain taxes that had lapsed during Nero’s reign. However, it was necessary to restore the coffers of Rome and rebuild the city, still significantly ravaged from the fire five years prior. He restored and rebuilt the destroyed parts of Rome and then some, finishing some long-languishing projects and starting others, including the construction of a massive Flavian Amphitheatre,which later became known as the Colosseum.
WhileThose About to Diejoins the story long after the Year of Four Emperors and at the end of Vespasian’s reign, it would be fascinating to get a show about the tumultuous year and the start of the Flavian dynasty, because it was a fascinating era. It would be especially interesting assome of Vespasian’s decade-long reign is shrouded in mystery,with few records existing about his government. Today he’s generally considered a prudent and fiscally responsible ruler who got the city of Rome back up on its feet again after one of the most chaotic and uncertain times in its history.
Those About To Die
Set in the year 79 AD in Rome, “Those About to Die” dives into the brutal and complex world of gladiatorial combat. The series explores the dark underbelly of Roman entertainment, where the promise of free food and blood-soaked spectacles keep the restless population in check. The narrative focuses on various characters from all corners of the Roman Empire, whose lives intersect in the grand arena.
