Rome

If you haven't yet seen the HBO series Rome, I highly recommend it. Like other HBO series, it's pretty violent, bloody, and full of bad language, so if you've got a low tolerance for that sort of thing, beware.

If, however, you aren't bothered by such things and have a healthy interest in history, you will love this show. Season 1 follows the lives of 2 legionnaires, as well as Julius Caesar, Octavian, Marc Antony, Brutus, and a few other fictional and historical characters. This gives a glimpse of not only the historical aspects of Rome, but also the day to day life of common citizens.

I just started season 2, and so far it doesn't disappoint. Julius Caesar is dead (I hope that wasn't a spoiler for any of you, if so you need to crack open a history book) and there is a power struggle between Octavian, Marc Antony, and Brutus. Who will win? Well, Octavian of course, but I haven't gotten that far yet. He is still an adolescent at this time and has yet to change his name to Augustus. At the moment he is still being bullied by Marc Antony, sewing the seeds of discord which will threaten to rip the empire apart.

Trust me on this one. You will be doing yourself a favor by watching it.