I liked this series a lot. The series does not try to cover the entire history of the Empire continuously. Rather, each episode covers a specific critical episode or period for the Empire, concentrating on Rome's contentious relations with the various barbarian tribes from Marius' wars with invading Gauls to the fall of Rome. In some episodes, the story deviates to civil conflict or conflict with eastern civilizations, but the emphasis is mostly on the barbarians.
While the series does cover some of the better known periods like Spartacus, the Rise and Fall of Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelius' barbarian wars, and Attila the Hun, the series also covers a lot of history that is far less covered in media, such as Marius wars against tribes invading Italy and the subsequent strife between Marius and the nobles, Trajan's conquest of Dacia, Stilicho's attempts to save the Empire, Rome's conflicts with the Gauls, the Vandal's conquest of Africa, etc. I would have liked to see them cover even more, like the Punic Wars, early Italian wars, maybe follow up the story of Marius with the story of Cornelius Sulla, and cover the period of barracks Emperors better. But, the Roman Empire lasted a very long time (until 1453 if you count the Eastern 'Byzantine' period). And, budgets for series like this are only so big. I doubt there will ever be a truly comprehensive television documentary.
Of course, the series isn't perfect. The dramatizations seem to use a lot of generic "Roman" and "barbarian" wardrobe and props without too much concern about being correct for the period or tribe. Sometimes what is well-supported conjecture is presented as known fact. But, overall they did a very good job on this series.
While the series does cover some of the better known periods like Spartacus, the Rise and Fall of Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelius' barbarian wars, and Attila the Hun, the series also covers a lot of history that is far less covered in media, such as Marius wars against tribes invading Italy and the subsequent strife between Marius and the nobles, Trajan's conquest of Dacia, Stilicho's attempts to save the Empire, Rome's conflicts with the Gauls, the Vandal's conquest of Africa, etc. I would have liked to see them cover even more, like the Punic Wars, early Italian wars, maybe follow up the story of Marius with the story of Cornelius Sulla, and cover the period of barracks Emperors better. But, the Roman Empire lasted a very long time (until 1453 if you count the Eastern 'Byzantine' period). And, budgets for series like this are only so big. I doubt there will ever be a truly comprehensive television documentary.
Of course, the series isn't perfect. The dramatizations seem to use a lot of generic "Roman" and "barbarian" wardrobe and props without too much concern about being correct for the period or tribe. Sometimes what is well-supported conjecture is presented as known fact. But, overall they did a very good job on this series.