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Classic Who S2 • Serial 4 · (4 episodes)

The Romans

Other variations of this story: The Romans (BBC Audio Soundtrack)

3.94/ 5 394 votes

First aired Saturday, January 16, 1965
Production Code M
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Christopher Barry
Runtime 100 minutes
Time Travel Past
Locations Earth Italy Rome
Synopsis

Landing in Rome, A.D. 64, the travellers take a rare holiday. While Ian and Barbara are happy to relax, the Doctor and Vicki set off to pursue adventure.

However, adventure soon finds Ian and Barbara too as they are kidnapped by slave traders, and the Doctor's imitation of Maximus Pettulian sees him taken to the court of Emperor Nero where he inadvertently plays a part in deciding the course of history...

4 Episodes:

First aired Saturday, January 16, 1965
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Christopher Barry
UK Viewers 13 million
Appreciation Index 53

Synopsis

The travellers decide to take a holiday near ancient Rome, but after a month the Doctor gets restless. He and Vicki determine to visit Rome, and while they are gone Ian and Barbara are abducted by slave traders. All roads lead to Rome, however, and the travellers find themselves at the mercy of the country's petulant emperor, Nero...

First aired Saturday, January 23, 1965
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Christopher Barry
UK Viewers 11.5 million
Appreciation Index 51

Synopsis

While the Doctor and Vicki meet with Nero, Barbara is taken to Rome to be sold while Ian is forced to work as a galley slave.

First aired Saturday, January 30, 1965
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Christopher Barry
UK Viewers 10 million
Appreciation Index 50

Synopsis

Ian and Delos are forced to fight each other for their freedom while the Doctor has to perform for Nero's court.

First aired Saturday, February 6, 1965
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by Dennis Spooner
Directed by Christopher Barry
UK Viewers 12 million
Appreciation Index 50

Synopsis

Ian and Delos manage to escape from Sevcheria and Tavius agrees to help Barbara rejoin them.The Doctor's attempts to avoid being thrown to the lions inadvertently result in Nero deciding to burn down Rome.

Ratings are from TARDIS Guide members only.

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Other adaptations of this story: