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Ancient Rome offers a rich tapestry of perspectives on life in one of history’s most influential civilizations. Through the insights of four eminent historians, the film examines the complex social fabric, legal frameworks, and political upheavals that shaped Roman society and left a lasting legacy on the modern world. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill (University of Cambridge) dispels common myths about ancient Roman social segregation by exploring the urban landscape. He demonstrates how the wealthy and poor coexisted within shared spaces, challenging the notion of sharply divided classes and highlighting the integrated, vibrant nature of Roman urban communities. Quentin Skinner (Queen Mary University of London) delves into Roman law to uncover the stark contrasts between citizens and slaves. His analysis reveals how arbitrary power defined freedom and civic identity in Rome, offering a critical lens through which to understand the complexities of Roman political thought and the precarious boundaries of liberty. Maria Mavroudi (University of California, Berkeley) shifts the focus to the Byzantine Empire’s continuation of Roman heritage. She explains how the Byzantines not only considered themselves Romans but were recognized as such by others, sustaining a civilization that endured for a thousand years beyond the fall of the Western Roman Empire - one that claimed to have never been conquered by barbarians. David Armitage (Harvard University) investigates the seismic impact of civil war on Roman identity, citizenship, and political belonging. He reveals how internal conflict threatened the very foundations of Roman society and how the Romans’ nuanced understanding of civil strife has profoundly influenced Western conceptions of political division, loyalty, and citizenship through the ages. Together, these scholars paint a vivid picture of Ancient Rome’s enduring influence—from its social dynamics and legal principles to its historical legacy - illuminating how Roman ideas of community, law, and identity continue to resonate in contemporary society. Academic researcher credits: - Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, Director of Research and Honorary Professor of Roman Studies in the Faculty of Classics, University of Cambridge. - Quentin Skinner, Barber Beaumont Professor of the Humanities, Queen Mary University of London - Maria Mavroudi, Professor of History, UC Berkeley - David Armitage, the Lloyd C. Blankfein Professor of History, Harvard University;