Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator

The series follows the rapid ascent of a Roman emperor, charting his consolidation of authority and the political manoeuvres that enabled his rule. In just sixteen years, it depicts the collapse of a democratic tradition that had endured for nearly five centuries, marking a swift end to long‑standing governance.

The programme is a generic episode that centres on a pivotal moment in Roman history. It presents a concise, self‑contained narrative designed to trace the ascent of a single ruler and the consequent shift in the political landscape of ancient Rome. The core of the story follows the rise to power of a Roman emperor, charting how his ambition and actions led to the abrupt termination of a democratic system that had endured for almost five centuries. In a span of just sixteen years, the episode depicts the dramatic overthrow of that long‑standing governance, showing how quickly the balance of power can change when a charismatic figure consolidates authority. Beyond the central plot, the episode underscores the speed with which the Roman Republic’s institutions were dismantled. It highlights the contrast between the centuries‑long democratic tradition and the rapid, sixteen‑year collapse that paved the way for imperial rule. By focusing on this brief yet transformative period, the programme offers a clear illustration of how a single leader’s rise can reshape an entire political order.