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"The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" represents one more attempt to research and analyse this sequence of historical events but generation after generation of imperialistic and ambitious leaders and nations fail to heed the lessons from the past...
— here's how to watch "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" from anywhere with a VPN.
► Date and time: "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" will premiere on the History Channel in the U.S. on Wednesday, May 27 at 8 p.m. ET/ PT. It will also be available to stream the next day.
• U.S. — History Channel via YouTube TV (free trial) / Sling
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk-free
This two-parter - as opposed to the 13 hour series of the same name - breaks the complex story into two separated parts: "The Rise" and "The Fall." As an entry point this is smart and accessible.
"The Rise" documents the aggressive expansion of a nation determined to conquer and make its mark on the world stage with the battles against Carthage providing a bloody learning curve. The influence of key figures in political and military positions of power are highlighted.
The Empire reaches its apogee under Emperor Trajan and then Marcus Aurelius but the foundations necessary for even greater longevity were exposed by a series of disasters. These included invasions and the plague while underlining the fundamental weakness of any authoritarian state trusting its future to the power and personality of a weak Emperor chosen by direct lineage to the previous leader. Commodus oversaw this period of chaos after succeeding his father Marcus Aurelius.
Read on for how to watch "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" online and from anywhere in the world.
Can I watch the 'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' for FREE?
Lucky viewers in the U.S. can watch for with the YouTube TV 21-day free trial and tune into the "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" premiere without paying a penny.
Cancel before the free trial ends and you won't pay a thing. More details below – including how to access YouTube TV's free trial from anywhere.
How to watch 'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' in the U.S.
"The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" will premiere on the History Channel in the U.S. on Wednesday, May 27 at 8 p.m. ET/ PT. It will also be available to stream the next day.
Cut the cord? You can watch "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" on several live TV streaming services, including Sling TV, Philo, Hulu With Live TV, YouTube TV and DirecTV.
N.b. There are several other series called "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" or very similar - including one on the History Channel. This is the two-part documentary released in 2026.
Outside the U.S.? Americans abroad can catch the show from anywhere with NordVPN (save 75%).
Watch 'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' anywhere
Just because the History Channel isn't available everywhere doesn't mean you can't watch "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire". If you're away from home, use out favorite VPN (virtual private network) to access blocked streaming accounts from anywhere.
Only the best VPNs work – we rate NordVPN the best
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.
3. Sit back and binge. Head to your platform of choice and stream new episodes of "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" online.
Watch 'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' in Canada
At the time of writing the new two-part History Channel documentary, "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" will not be available on the History Channel in Canada or elsewhere. If that changes, you'll hear about it here first.
N.b. There are several other series called "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" or very similar - including one on the History Channel. This is the two-part documentary released in 2026.
However, Americans on vacation or working in the Great White North need not miss a minute. By signing up to NordVPN they will be able to access their preferred streaming service when you're overseas.
Watch 'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' in Australia
At the time of writing the new two-part History Channel documentary, "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" has no broadcast date in Australia. If that changes, you'll hear about it here first.
N.b. There are several other series called "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" or very similar - including one on the History Channel. This is the two-part documentary released in 2026.
However, Americans on vacation or working Down Under need not miss a minute. By signing up to NordVPN they will be able to access their preferred streaming service when overseas.
How to watch 'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' in the U.K.
At the time of writing the new two-part History Channel documentary, "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" has no broadcast date in the U.K.. If that changes, you'll hear about it here first.
N.b. There are several other series called "The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire" or very similar - including one on the History Channel. This is the two-part documentary released in 2026.
However, Americans on vacation or working in the U.K. need not miss a minute. By signing up to NordVPN they will be able to access their preferred streaming service when overseas.
'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' - Episode guide
- Season 01 Episode 01: "The Rise" - In 44 BCE, a brutal assassination ushers in Rome’s first emperor, Augustus. Rome is on its way to becoming the greatest civilization in human history, but the Emperor now wields godlike authority, and soon cracks in the Empire begin to form.
- S01 E02: "The Fall" - Under Emperor Trajan and then Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Empire grows to the largest, and most powerful it has ever been. But in the 160s CE, disaster strikes: Germanic invasions, the plague and a new leader; Emperor Commodus, plunges Rome into chaos.
'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' - Cast
Sam Mercurio as Narrator
Leif Anders as Narrator
Paul Bicknell as Narrator
Andre De Nesnera as Narrator
Rome Knight as Narrator
Karl Otter as Narrator
'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' trailer
'The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire' - FAQ
When did Rome actually "Fall"?
The generally accepted date for the fall of the Western Roman Empire is AD 476, when the last western emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the Germanic leader Odoacer. So, 284 years after the death of the ineffectual and autocratic Commodus but he is usually regarded as partly culpable because he was Emperor when the decline began.
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