As a history enthusiast with a deep fascination for ancient Rome and its intriguing characters, I couldn’t help but be captivated by Leonidas’ stories about Scorpus, the legendary chariot racer whose poetry has been preserved through the ages. The way he spoke of the verses that referenced gods and races won, transported me to a time long past, where the echoes of triumphant cheers still lingered in the air.
In Peacock’s “Those About to Die,” audiences can explore a vast tale set against the authentic backdrop of Ancient Rome. This era is brought to life when chariot racers were renowned figures, betting dens held sway over the underworld, and an Emperor worked tirelessly to etch his dynasty’s name into history. The show boasts an extensive ensemble, with Anthony Hopkins portraying Emperor Vespasian, and encompasses a diverse array of characters from various social classes, backgrounds, and internal struggles within Rome. Despite being populated by fictional characters, the series remains grounded in historical truth.
To gain a deeper understanding of “Those About to Die,” let’s delve into its interpretation of Ancient Roman society. We’ll explore the show’s depiction in more detail and listen to the actors share their discoveries.
The Real Historical Figures of Those About to Die
In the year 68 AD, Roman Emperor Nero passed away, marking the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty initiated by Caesar Augustus. This event plunged Rome into chaos and instability, leading to a tumultuous period referred to as the “Year of the Four Emperors.” During this time, four different leaders rose to power in quick succession, each trying to govern the Empire amidst intense infighting and violence. By the close of 69 AD, Vespasian had emerged as a beacon of stability, replacing the turmoil with a new sense of order.
A military commander promoted to the throne by his own armies, Vespasian endeavored to secure his rule among the Romans through public works and games. In the opening scenes of “Those About to Die,” he had been emperor for a decade, with the Circus Maximus as Rome’s premier entertainment venue. Vespasian sought to outshine it by commencing the creation of what would later be recognized as the Colosseum.)
Titus and Domitian
Vespasian is supported in his endeavors by his two capable sons: Titus, a skilled military commander (played by Tom Hughes), and Domitian, an adept politician and master of Roman games (Jojo Macari). Later in the story, while Vespasian is still pondering over who will be his direct successor, both Titus and Domitian eventually ascend to the throne as Roman Emperors, making it a first in Roman history for a biological son to succeed their father. (Previously, only adopted sons or designated heirs had become emperor.)
Macari and Hughes, in portraying Roman Emperors for Rodat’s production, needed to skillfully merge historical accuracy with the captivating narrative of the playwright.
Macari explained to NBC Insider that Domitian is extensively recorded in history. He was an active figure and the subject of much writing, with half of it being factually accurate and the other half possibly fabricated. Notably, Domitian was intensely disliked, leading to numerous false stories spreading after his assassination.
Hughes commented, “Some people dive into research first. It’s important to grasp the historical context when depicting a character. Undeniably, we need to be aware of the societal and political climate during that time. Yet, the true challenge lies in making the character come alive – understanding their emotions and thoughts amidst their limitations. For me, this often involves rhythm and something almost physical or elemental, like a search for a specific molecular essence.”
In the thrilling world of “Rome,” I, as an avid viewer and history enthusiast, have witnessed the complex relationship between the brothers. Their rivalry for power to rule over ancient Rome was a constant undercurrent throughout Season 1. This intense feud, which has been meticulously recorded in Roman history, added a layer of intrigue that kept me hooked to my screen.
Those About to Die’s Scorpus Was a Real Roman Sports Star
In addition to Emperors, the story includes other historically authentic characters. As “Those About to Die” is based on Daniel P. Mannix’s book, it highlights the lives of Roman games’ contestants. One such character, Scorpus (portrayed by Dimitri Leonidas), was a real-life chariot racer in Circus Maximus and a renowned figure during that era. Rome had its own celebrities, just like we have star athletes today.
During my exploration into Scorpus’ history, I discovered an intriguing fact: Martial, a renowned Roman poet from over 2,000 years ago, composed poems about this subject. It’s remarkable how his work has endured through the ages. Reading these verses was captivating, as they hint at Scorpus being renowned for his victories and youthfulness in ancient times. For instance, Martial wrote, “Perhaps the Gods, tallying your race wins, took you for an elder man, and thus claimed you young.” Such lines offer a glimpse into Scorpus’ past reputation.
Despite the scant information available beyond Scorpus’s racing background, it’s generally assumed that he was born approximately 68 AD and passed away around 95 AD. However, “Those About to Die” seems to deviate from this timeline and historical facts in portraying his life.
Was Tenax from Those About to Die a Real Person?
I’ve spent years delving into ancient Roman history, pouring over texts and artifacts to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating civilization. And while there are certain figures, like Vespasian, Titus, Domitian, and Scorpus, whose existence is undeniably documented by historians, there’s another group of characters in the show “Those About to Die” that are purely fictional creations.
To put it simply, when it comes to Iwan Rheon’s character Tenax in the Roman world of the show, this involved an extensive exploration of the background events that transpired before the storyline commences.
Dimitri, representing Scorpus, shared, “I’ve discovered an excellent podcast called ‘The History of Rome.’ I’ve listened to it multiple times, up until our story’s beginning, to gain historical insights. This knowledge has been invaluable for me in understanding Tenax’s background. By referencing significant events like Nero’s reign during the Year of the Four Emperors and the ensuing decade of peace leading to our series in 79, I’ve managed to trace Tenax’s rise from homelessness. This historical context has greatly assisted me personally.”
Finding Character Inspiration in Real Roman History
In the grandeur of the city’s elite circle, outside the shadows of the underworld, I come across captivating characters like Antonia, brilliantly portrayed by Gabriella Pession. Married to a powerful politician and holding a significant share in one of the city’s chariot racing factions, Antonia is the unseen force shaping events, skillfully manipulating situations to serve her own purposes. Though a product of fiction, I find her authenticity heightened by Pession’s extensive investigation into the lives of real Roman women who wielded power and influence.
To truly grasp the day-to-day lives of Patrician women during that era, I delved into various biographies of diverse Roman women, Pession explained. Among them were Livia Drusilla, Octavian’s (Augustus) formidable wife; Messalina, the young, promiscuous, beautiful, manipulative, and corrupted third wife of Emperor Claudius; Agrippina Minore, Claudius’ fourth wife and mother of Nero; and Poppaea Sabina, one of Nero’s wives. By studying these women and their distinct traits, I drew inspiration for the character of Antonia.
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2024-07-18 20:02