Pernel Media Turns Spotlight on the Roman Empire for Latest ‘Rise and Fall Of’ Documentary

Pernel Media is expanding its internationally successful Rise and Fall Of documentary franchise with a new series examining one of history’s most influential civilizations: the Roman Empire.

The latest installment, Rise and Fall of Rome, will trace the story of Rome across more than 1,200 years, from its legendary founding rulers to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. Unlike traditional historical documentaries that focus on specific periods, the series aims to tell Rome’s story as a single continuous narrative.

At the heart of the project is a bold premise—that Rome never truly disappeared. The documentary argues that the empire’s legal systems, languages, architecture and political institutions continue to shape modern society and remain deeply embedded in contemporary life.

To bring that story to life, the production will combine archaeological sequences filmed on location with AI-powered historical reconstructions. Historians and experts contributing to the project include Eve McDonald, Samir Aounallah and Alexander Mariotti.

The new series builds on the success of Pernel Media’s Rise and Fall Of franchise, which has previously explored the civilizations of the Maya, Inca and Aztec worlds. Those productions have enjoyed broad international distribution, reaching more than 100 countries and securing sales to platforms and broadcasters including National Geographic and Disney+ in several territories.

Commenting on the expansion of the franchise, Samuel Kissous, founder of Pernel Media, said: “The Rise and Fall collection has found audiences in over 100 countries because it treats these civilisations with the same narrative ambition we bring to our fiction. Rome is where that ambition reaches its natural peak.”

The documentary is being produced for French broadcaster RMC Découverte and brings together a team of experienced factual filmmakers. Directing duties will be shared by Vanessa Pontet, known for The Real War of Thrones, Anne Viry-Babel of Pharaohs at War, and Marina Boyenval, whose credits include The Lost Cities of Genghis Khan.

Pernel Media is currently in discussions with a number of international broadcast partners as it seeks to expand the global reach of the project.

The series arrives as historical documentaries continue to attract audiences worldwide, with producers increasingly blending traditional scholarship and emerging technologies to revisit the ancient world. With its sweeping scope and focus on Rome’s enduring legacy, Rise and Fall of Rome aims to offer viewers a fresh perspective on one of history’s most consequential empires.

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