What Defined Roman Identity Within Ancient Rome's Society? | Rome: Empire Without Limit | Timeline

Timeline - World History Documentaries
Timeline - World History Documentaries
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Published 2023-08-19
In the third episode Mary takes an in-depth look at the question of identity and citizenship within the Roman Empire. What did it mean to be, or to become, Roman, and how did the very different parts of the empire react to Roman rule?

In the beautifully preserved cities of Algeria, incomers and locals mixed to create flourishing communities with a distinct 'more Roman than Rome' frontier identity. Mary follows the trail of one such African Roman from his native land all the way to Britain, where he served as governor - proof that for all the brutality of conquest, there were opportunities too. Here in Britain another picture emerges, of resistance, hybrid culture and incipient British identity. In York and Newcastle, Mary finds the remains of Romans, but not as we might imagine them - a rich African lady, officers from central Europe and a camp follower from Syria.

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All Comments (21)
  • @zuzuspetals38
    Mary is an amazing researcher, professor, and historian She is greatly recognized in GB and has been given Dame status by the Queen (for her studies in classical civilizations) 🌟Love her expertise and research on Roman history And appreciate her for it 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
  • @AledPritchard
    I’ve said it more than once, I’ll say it again. And I’ll keep saying it. Mary Beard is bloody fantastic! I really am enjoying this documentary series. I know it’s previously been on BBC iPlayer, but I never got around to watching it. Appreciate these videos, keep ‘em coming. Thank you!
  • @barrylane1055
    Really excellent Mary! This is certainly one of your best presentations on many levels; visually, intellectually, and the story line itself!!! The ending in Aphrodisias with the subjected Britannia lying under Emperor Claudius was brilliant. As you said, the finding of the temple was perhaps the most important archaeological find of the last hundred years. Thank you from Canada!!!
  • @ereynoldful3974
    God I love her! Mary Beard and the Egyptologist Joann Fletcher are the BC history goddesses! They make it so exciting the way they talk about history and explain it to you. I also love the way they both focus on the day to day lives of normal citizens.
  • @dalestaley5637
    Mary brings history to life. I always watch her documentaries. I learned something new all the time.
  • @annmariebrei5468
    You make everything so interesting. You bring ancient history to life.
  • @Tunapie
    What an entertaining and informative video. People in Britain and anywhere in Europe where these ruins of ancient civilization are lucky in a way that you can see, touch and experience these bits of history. Like you’re connecting with the old times. The oldest place I have visited here in my country just goes far back to 17th century. I was already in awe. How much more if I get to see these sights going back to 2000 yrs ago? I would be overwhelmed. I’ll make it my mission to visit them in this lifetime.
  • @dstaff7373
    Solid presentation 👌 as always, Dr. Mary I believe Anyhow Mary beard i appreciate you.
  • @BadgerDave
    amazing work, camera host etc this was A+ top tier
  • @mohammedsaysrashid3587
    It was an informative and thrilled watching historical coverage video about cultural and educational effectiveness of the Roman empire authoritative on Spain 🇪🇸, North Africa, and Britain sovereigns. Besides Roman empire cultures layer on glorious of Greek cultures in the Asia minor. What was notables.. Roman citizenship was donated to Africans, North Africans, Spanish, and Britain's . if they served as soldiers and administrators within Romans' authoritative systems .. thank you (history Hit )networking page and ( time line) channel for sharing .
  • @puffinjuice
    Mary is a fantastic story teller. I have no interest in history, yet I love watching her videos!
  • @iisotter8944
    Does anyone know if there are any descent documentaries/books on why Roman infrastructures, such as towns/buildings, baths, sewers, underfloor heating, and so on were not continued to be used, or continued to be expanded on once the Empire collapsed. Or did they? Why did those on the British Isles, for example, go back to living in worst conditions rather than adopting and continuing on what the Romans had already built? Why were the great philosophers, and political thinkers, their libraries and so forth not adopted and normalised?
  • @matt-marque
    I’m so dumb I only just realized that the same Mary Beard who wrote SPQR — one of the most insightful and provocative histories of Rome I have ever read — is also the same Mary Beard who narrates one of my favorite series on YouTube.