The First Images from Peacock's 'Those About to Die' Bring Ancient Rome to Life

Peacock has released the first images from its upcoming Roman historical epic Those About to Die, a sweeping story of Ancient Rome that boasts an all-star cast and a massive narrative scope. It takes its name from the Latin, "Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant," which translates as "Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you," and, according to Suetonius at least, was the customary salute of gladiators to the emperor before a battle.

The series stars Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins (Freud's Last Session) as Emperor Vespasian, the founder of the Flavian dynasty who claimed the throne after a year of political chaos that saw Rome embroiled in a civil war and four different men rise to power within the space of 12 months. The ruler who began construction on the famous Roman Colosseum --- it was completed up to the third level by his death in 79 A.D. --- he was a proponent of the idea of "bread and circuses," or, using continuous entertainment and propaganda to distract unruly citizens from their larger complaints and woes.

An exploration of war, sports, and politics, Those About to Die's sprawling saga features characters based on real historical figures (such as Vespasian and his sons) and some created specifically for the show, whose roles and destinies are a bit more flexible, historically speaking. But its scope encompasses virtually all layers of Roman society, from the ruling Flavian family and the wealthy aristocrats that surround them to the charioteers, gladiators, and slaves who often raced or fought to the death for their enjoyment.