Roman Empire – Season 3
Director: Directed by John Ealer for all episodes in this season.
Cast: Steve West as Narrator Ido Drent as Caligula Craig Walsh-Wrightson as Tiberius Kelson Henderson as Claudius Colin Moy as Cassius Teressa Liane as Agrippina Leon Wadham as Tiberius Gemellus Michael Morris as Macro Molly Leishman as Livilla Elizabeth Dowden as Drusilla Jay Simon as Senator Regulus
Roman Empire: Caligula: The Mad Emperor, released in April 2019 as the third and final season of Netflix’s docudrama anthology Roman Empire, offers a dramatized yet informative look at one of history’s most infamous Roman emperors. Directed by John Ealer across four episodes, each roughly 41 minutes long, the season blends compelling reenactments with scholarly narration to chart Caligula’s shocking rise and catastrophic downfall.
Narrated by Steve West, the story begins with Caligula’s ascent as he inherits the Empire after the death of his elusive uncle, Emperor Tiberius. Initially, he is welcomed by Rome with optimism and hope, honored by the memory of his revered father, Germanicus. Yet, as Caligula gains power, his reign swiftly devolves into chaos, marked by cruelty, extravagance, and paranoia.
Weeks into his reign, Caligula moves to secure his family’s legacy—and his own—through scandalous alliances, including incestuous relationships with his sisters Agrippina, Drusilla, and Livilla. When these attempts result in tragedy and divine proclamations, Caligula declares Drusilla a goddess—far beyond Roman precedent—further stoking public scandal.
At the same time, he orchestrates political purges, eliminating his rivals—including his own grandson Gemellus—and empowering his confidant Macro. Alliances unravel as conspiracies build within the court, culminating in a fatal betrayal. Backed by Claudius and disillusioned by Caligula’s erratic behavior, the Praetorian Guard, led by Cassius Chaerea, assassinates the emperor, ending a reign marked by violence and symbolizing the perils of absolute power.
This season stands out for its gripping dramatization and provocative historical interpretation. Though some viewers note creative liberties, it succeeds in evoking the volatile brilliance and madness of Caligula’s tenure—both enlightening and entertaining, much like the series as a whole, which holds an IMDb rating of 7.0/10.
Roman Empire: Caligula: The Mad Emperor, released in April 2019 as the third and final season of Netflix’s docudrama anthology Roman Empire, offers a dramatized yet informative look at one of history’s most infamous Roman emperors. Directed by John Ealer across four episodes, each roughly 41 minutes long, the season blends compelling reenactments with scholarly narration to chart Caligula’s shocking rise and catastrophic downfall.
Narrated by Steve West, the story begins with Caligula’s ascent as he inherits the Empire after the death of his elusive uncle, Emperor Tiberius. Initially, he is welcomed by Rome with optimism and hope, honored by the memory of his revered father, Germanicus. Yet, as Caligula gains power, his reign swiftly devolves into chaos, marked by cruelty, extravagance, and paranoia.
Weeks into his reign, Caligula moves to secure his family’s legacy—and his own—through scandalous alliances, including incestuous relationships with his sisters Agrippina, Drusilla, and Livilla. When these attempts result in tragedy and divine proclamations, Caligula declares Drusilla a goddess—far beyond Roman precedent—further stoking public scandal.
At the same time, he orchestrates political purges, eliminating his rivals—including his own grandson Gemellus—and empowering his confidant Macro. Alliances unravel as conspiracies build within the court, culminating in a fatal betrayal. Backed by Claudius and disillusioned by Caligula’s erratic behavior, the Praetorian Guard, led by Cassius Chaerea, assassinates the emperor, ending a reign marked by violence and symbolizing the perils of absolute power.
This season stands out for its gripping dramatization and provocative historical interpretation. Though some viewers note creative liberties, it succeeds in evoking the volatile brilliance and madness of Caligula’s tenure—both enlightening and entertaining, much like the series as a whole, which holds an IMDb rating of 7.0/10.