Historical action-dramas have taken off in popularity of late, thanks in part to hits like the Medieval-inspired Game of Thrones and Vikings. Despite this, the period of antiquity seems to be a largely untapped resource when it comes to compelling show premice, which is surprising given the rich culture and wealth of interesting events that transpired during this period.
Still, there are a couple of epic shows which hone in on the grandiose settings of ancient Rome - HBO’s Rome and Starz’ Spartacus. Each takes a different approach in terms of style and subject matter, yet both paint a rich picture of this foreign, yet identifiably captivating society of gladiators, paganism, and cutthroat politics.
But which show proves the more entertaining and effective virtual journey into the Roman Republic and soon-to-be Empire? Which qualities do each of these similar, yet vastly distinct historical dramas excel in?
We’ll attempt to sort this out, and cover 5 areas in which each show stands out over the other.
Spartacus: Excellent Acting And Characters
It’s tough to get truly invested in a TV show with weak characters and/or acting performances. Fans of Starz’ Spartacus will tell you that this is rarely the case when it comes to the plethora of rich, interesting, and amusing gladiators that make up the Ludus of Batiatus as well as other Capua citizens. From the intense, emotional acting of the late, great Andy Whitfield as Spartacus (season 1) to the comical Ganicus to the stubborn-yet-charming Lanista Batiatus, there’s no shortage of dynamic characters.
Most of them come with a distinct personality, identifiable motives, and a more humanistic moral grey area somewhat reminiscent of Game of Thrones.
Rome: More Realistic, Authentic Set Pieces
While Spartacus does a fine job of setting the scene with some run-down settings and gritty decor, it tends to convey an overly-stylistic, glitzy, and almost comic look that reminds one of 300. Rome exceeds it on this front with a more grounded, realistic approach to its environments and set pieces overall. The narrow, rocky streets of the Roman towns feel legitimate; the battlefields seem massive and brutal, and the wardrobes look worn.
It helps that this show was actually filmed in Lazio, Italy for much of its production, vs Spartacus which was filmed in distant New Zealand and clearly uses quite a bit of green screen. Rome even featured some background performers played by real Italian locals to help maintain that sense of authenticity.
Spartacus: The Writing
You may not expect an over-the-top action show about gladiators and rebel skirmishes to possess dynamic writing or gripping, intricate narratives. Yet, Spartacus actually does contain a fair bit of clever writing and plot devices.
This isn’t just in the form of some epic quotes from Spartacus or Sura, or funny one-liners from the short-fused Batiatus, but it extends deeper into many narratives themselves. Shocking twists, cleverly interweaving plots, and complex sequences of linked events within the House of Batiatus and Capua at large comprise various episodes. Many of them will really have you pondering long after the episode has ended.
Rome’s stricter adherence to larger, and more accurate events will please history buffs, but it does tend to lack some of the emotion and captivating plots of Spartacus.
Rome: More Epic, Complex Premises
Those who favor the sociopolitical side of Roman history in the larger sense will likely gravitate towards HBO’s drama. Rather than lean on the thrilling action of gladiatorial fights and skirmishes, the show feels a bit more like a history book playing out in real-time, showcasing the major events and battles during the late Republic. These include pivotal events like the “crossing of the Rubicon,” the conquest of Gaul, and complex political happenings in Rome.
Rome tends to go for the “bigger picture” content, vs Spartacus’ honing in on a single man fighting for his life and striving to reunite with his wife.
Spartacus: The Ever-Inspirational Underdog Story
Who doesn’t love a feel-good underdog story? While HBO’s show does have its own version of the more humble “everyman” in the form of the outlaw Titus and ex-soldier Lucius, much of the show revolves around ambitions of the Roman aristocracy and leaders like Julius Caesar. This doesn’t always make for the most relatable, gripping viewing, especially given the smug arrogance of some of these guys.
In Spartacus, even the more arrogant, well-off characters like Batiatus can be amusing and relatable in a sense, and the slew of downtrodden gladiators and slaves typically prove more 3-dimensional and easy to root for.
Rome: Full-Fledged Battle Scenes
Unless you’re Game of Thrones, it’s understandably difficult to compile a large-enough budget that can contribute towards a number of bombastic battle scenes. Yet, Rome manages to do a lot with a little here, showcasing a few pretty massive and highly-populated battles. You’ve got the chaotic skirmishes with the Gaulic tribes, clashes between the troops of Mark Antony and Octavian, and the epic Battle of Philippi.
While the sky-high costs involved ultimately helped contribute to the show’s cancellation after just 2 seasons, it sure was awesome while it lasted, and it was partly because of these adrenaline-fueled fights.
Spartacus: Thrilling Action And Fight Scenes
Rome runs with fewer, but more grandiose battles, somewhat “putting all their eggs in one basket.” Yet, the bulk of the show features static scenes and dialogue exchanges more reminiscent of a typical drama. Though Spartacus strays from the full-scale battles (especially in earlier seasons), it does throw quite a bit of fun action scenes at you, whether they’re epic arena fights or just street skirmishes.
The choreography is impressive, as are the use of blood-spurting special effects and Matrix-like slow motion and other editing/post-production glitz. Spartacus provides plenty of appeal to action fans who appreciate those “edge-of-your-seat” fights, while Rome’s traits are more reminiscent of a drama set in antiquity.
Rome: Focusing On More Major Figures
Sure, it’s fun to watch the rise of the famed Roman rebel Spartacus and get lost in some thrilling gladiatorial face-offs in the arena, but Starz’ show doesn’t really hone in on too many real figures in Roman history beyond this, let alone major ones. With Rome, you basically know you’re in for an interesting narrative the moment you see the opening scene, which introduces the happenings of Julius Casear, and his rival Pompey Magnus.
We do get to follow a young Caesar towards the end of Spartacus, but only during his more humble beginnings.
With Rome, not only do we get to follow the political campaigns, waged wars, and even personal lives of these historical figures, but we’re also shown prominent figures like Brutus, Cato, Cicero, and the Roman senate. Of course, creative liberties were taken with these characters to a degree, but their impact and event-filled lives make for some compelling storylines.
Spartacus: The Special Effects/Cinematography
Yes, this stylized Zack Snyder approach to special effects and cinematography doesn’t exactly scream “realism.” Still, often it’s the more cartoony, bombastic, and fictionalized portrayals which can make for the more entertaining spectacles.
And ultimately it is about enjoyment when it comes to these shows, it is not? Spartacus is chock-full of flashy visuals, lavish landscapes, and over-the-top gore, which feels like watching an ancient Roman-inspired comic book play out in real-time. Unlike Rome which adheres to a smaller-scale production and grittiness, Spartacus has a polish and grandiosity that’s comparable to many higher-budget action films and makes for some fun visuals.
Rome: Closer To Historical Accuracy
Sure, we know about the legends of the famed gladiator-turned-rebel Spartacus, and Starz’ show does its best to fill in the gaps when needed. But ultimately, there are many historical gaps that exist with this figure, and much we just don’t know. As a result, Spartacus takes on the form of more of historical fiction rather than reenactments.
Rome does this to a degree, though most of its elements tend to stay closer to reality - from the timelines, to the Italian environments, to the abundance of characters based on real people. This extends from major events like the Gallic Wars of 52 BC, all the way down to the Roman armor details and the symbolic eagle relic.
