The Colosseum has been done to death (pun semi-intended). Documentaries, historical dramas, even travel shows — they’ve all taken a crack at the Roman Empire’s most famous arena. But Channel 5’s The Colosseum: Arena of Death aims to offer something different, or at least that’s the suggestion. With historian Dan Snow at the helm, this two-part series attempts to uncover new insights into this ancient marvel, focusing on the gladiators, emperors, and surprisingly resilient Roman engineering that brought it all to life.
Snow, a familiar face to history enthusiasts, is known for his accessible, somewhat enthusiastic approach to the past. In this series, he faces the challenge of presenting well-trodden ground in a fresh way. The first episode attempts this by structuring itself around the construction of the Colosseum, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian. We’re taken through the building process, learning about Roman concrete and the surprisingly swift ten-year timeline (which, knowing Roman construction projects, was considered lightning fast).
Of course, no Colosseum documentary is complete without a healthy dose of gladiatorial combat. Arena of Death delivers on this front, examining the training, daily lives, and, let’s face it, grisly fates of these ancient warriors. The episode culminates in a recreation of the Colosseum’s grand opening games, featuring a gladiatorial showdown with an “unexpected” outcome.
While the subject matter is familiar, Snow’s presence and the focus on the construction process might provide enough of a hook for history buffs. For the casual viewer, the promise of gladiatorial action and Roman intrigue will likely be the main draw. Whether the series manages to truly unearth any “secrets” about the Colosseum remains to be seen, but if nothing else, it will almost certainly offer a solid overview of a historical landmark that continues to capture our imaginations.
The Colosseum: Arena of Death with Dan Snow premieres Thursday, November 21st at 9pm on Channel 5.
