DAN SNOW EXPLORES THE HIDDEN STORIES OF THE COLOSSEUM FOR NEW CHANNEL 5 SERIES

Channel 5 has announced a brand-new two-part series which will uncover some of the hidden stories behind one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, the Colosseum, hosted by prominent historian Dan Snow.

The Colosseum with Dan Snow (w/t) is an illuminating journey around this famous ancient building and the blood-soaked gladiator displays that took place within its walls. The series will be produced by streaming service History Hit and was commissioned by Lucy Willis, Commissioning Editor, Factual for Channel 5.

Built almost 2,000 years ago at the heart of ancient Rome, the Colosseum is an ancient wonder that still captures our imagination today. Why are we still obsessed with this magnificent ruin?

In this two-part special (2 x 60’), historian Dan Snow embarks on a journey to investigate the real story of the Colosseum and explore what it reveals about life in ancient Rome.

During the episodes, Dan will marvel at the spectacular architecture and find out exactly how the Colosseum was built. He will learn the fascinating story of Vespasian, the new Emperor who ordered its construction and shed light on the stories behind those who were forced to bring his vision to life.

Dan will also delve in to the Colosseum’s most notorious legacy - the bloody games of the gladiators, and the truth of what really happened when 65000 people were crammed into the building to watch the show of their life.

Dan Snow, Presenter and Creative Director, History Hit, commented: “The Colosseum is one of the world’s most iconic buildings. Once seen, never forgotten. It is a miracle of engineering. A symbol of Rome’s skill, determination and cruelty. This is the real story of the building and the gladiators, punishments and games that it hosted. It was quite a journey separating fact from fiction!”

Bill Locke, Executive Producer, History Hit said: “We love making films that get to the truth behind well-known places and there's nowhere more famous than the Colosseum. It's been fascinating busting a few myths, ancient and modern, and discovering the real story of this great building and the people who came here as spectators and fighters - with Dan as the perfect guide to bring it back to life in all its gory glory.”

Lucy Willis, Commissioning Editor, Factual, Channel 5 added: “Gladiator II promises to be one of the biggest movies of the year and this series will tell the remarkable story of the Colosseum, the arena which housed these giants of ancient Rome, over 2000 years ago. What’s amazing is that the Colosseum is still attracting the crowds as much as it did back then.”

The Colosseum with Dan Snow (w/t) is a 2 x 60’ series commissioned by Lucy Willis, Commissioning Editor, Factual, Channel 5 from History Hit. The series will be directed by Mark Edger, produced by Annie Woodman with Bill Locke serving as Executive Producer for History Hit.