Ciarán Hinds Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of HBO's Rome

      HBO and the BBC's Rome premiered in 2005 with the goal of being one of the most authentic representations of the Roman Republic's chaotic transition into an Empire. The series expertly wove together the narratives of both the influential and the everyday people.

      Created by William J. MacDonald, Bruno Heller, and notable filmmaker John Milius (known for Apocalypse Now and Conan the Barbarian), the show centered around Ciarán Hinds' compelling portrayal of Gaius Julius Caesar in the first season. His performance captured both the legendary magnificence and the human frailties of one of history's most prominent figures amid his rise and downfall.

      Rome also chronicled the rise of Gaius Octavian, later known as Augustus (played initially by Max Pirkis and then by Simon Woods), alongside the stories of two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), whose destinies were intricately intertwined with the events transforming their world.

      The series debuted on August 28, 2005, at a significant time in HBO's history, situated between the groundbreaking successes of The Sopranos and Game of Thrones. Filmed mainly at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, it was noted for its outstanding attention to detail and opulent production design.

      Although initially envisioned for five seasons, Rome was limited to only two seasons, partly due to its high production expenses compared to its viewership ratings.

      Two decades after the show's launch, we engaged with Hinds about the challenges of portraying one of history's most significant figures, the series' lasting impact, and the striking similarities between past and present.

      Ciarán Hinds on Portraying Julius Caesar in Rome

      Ciarán Hinds as Julius Caesar in Rome, celebrating its 20th anniversary. HBO

      Upon receiving the offer to play Julius Caesar in Rome, Ciarán Hinds' immediate response was, “Oh, s—, how the f— do you do this?”

      Caesar was not only a pivotal historical figure but one portrayed by numerous actors throughout Shakespearean and Hollywood history. Hinds, a veteran actor with a deep appreciation for his craft, understood that to portray Caesar accurately, he needed to peel back the mythology and uncover his true character.

      Hinds delved into historical literature, including Tom Holland's 2003 book Rubicon, which provided vivid insights into life in ancient Rome.

      “It’s not a dramatic reconstruction,” Hinds remarks. “It’s based on fact, yet it's very vibrant, and the personalities of other characters were skillfully developed.”

      The series illustrated Caesar as a man who, despite his vast power, was not invulnerable. In a crucial scene, Caesar experiences a seizure, highlighting his fragility. “It wasn’t merely about depicting him as a great leader,” Hinds clarifies. “He’s as human as anyone else, but he must conceal it for fear of exploitation.”

      The seizure scene posed both technical and dramatic challenges. Hinds collaborated with Nicholas Woodeson, who portrayed Caesar’s devoted slave Posca, to ensure authenticity. “I had to completely let go, but Nick was there to guide me, ensuring the camera captured every nuance,” Hinds recalls. “It was a delicate balance, but it succeeded.”

      The Kalends of February

      Ray Stevenson as Titus Pullo and Kevin McKidd as Lucius Vorenus in Rome. HBO

      Caesar's assassination ranks among the most renowned moments in history, and Rome approached it with a blend of historical fidelity and dramatic effect. The series chose to depict Caesar's death on the Kalends of February instead of the Ides of March, a choice that surprised some viewers but allowed the show to defy expectations.

      “We all know what’s coming,” Hinds shares. “By altering the date, the writers kept us on edge.”

      Hinds remembers the moment Caesar recognizes the unfolding tragedy: “He’s a military man, so when the first dagger appears, he seizes the knife by the blade. There’s disbelief, a feeling of ‘This can’t be happening, because I’m a deity.’”

      The death exemplified Caesar’s arrogance: he had amassed such power that he could no longer recognize the dangers surrounding him.

      Hinds returned for the premiere of Season 2 to portray Caesar's lifeless body — “some of my finest work,” he quips.

      “Due to Caesar’s influence on Rome, it was necessary to display his dead body to the public,” Hinds adds. “I was needed for just two days to film the reactions and emotions of other characters.”

      Even in death, Caesar cast a long shadow over the second season, influencing the actions of Rome’s remaining characters such as Mark Antony (James Purefoy), who rose to prominence following Caesar’s demise.

      Consolidating Power

      As cancellation loomed, some of the show's remaining storylines were merged into the last episodes. Rome aired before the era