We're going to need 800 million
to start
a w*r and see it through.
-There won't be a w*r.
-Everyone has too much to lose.
As a wedding present, Olivia,
I've arranged for your freedom.
Yes!
[Both laughing]
A list of names is
going up in the Forum,
and 100,000 sesterces
on every head.
Warn everyone you can think of.
[gasping]
It's nothing personal.
-[grunts]
-Which side do we take now?
We're going to Sicily.
-[Woman moaning]
-Open your legs.
-Nice and wide.
-[screams]
They're dead.
And so are our kids!
But at least you're all right.
Antigone!
[indistinct chattering]
-Wine.
-Ooh.
I hate this sort of thing.
Gaius.
[Crowd cheering]
f*ck you.
f*ck you all.
Give us your money and die.
[cheering]
[indistinct shouting]
From his hiding place
on the island of Sicily,
the rebel Sextus Pompeius
has begged us for peace!
The sea lanes to Rome
are open again!
The grain ships are coming!
The famine is over!
[Crowd cheering]
[retches]
[coughs]
Oh, no.
-[screaming]
-[glass breaking]
[panting]
Haven't you finished
with me yet?
Haven't you punished me enough?
Livia!
I'm f*cking
f*cking
pregnant.
Livia.
Hey.
Are you insane?
How can I be pregnant?
My wife
smashing up
his household shrine,
in front of the sl*ves,
offending all the gods
and our host at the same time!
You haven't been near me.
Haven't you forgotten
we are completely
Hey!
We're completely dependent
on his charity.
Only that one time.
He's been taking a risk.
Huh? He's taking
a risk sheltering us.
Do you understand that?
[grunting]
Our enemies are all around us!
Antonius, Lepidus, Gaius.
Sicily is the last refuge left.
This is it for us.
Oh, I know.
Go and explain yourself
to Sextus.
He just got back from Rome.
[Tiberius] Mama.
Oh, hey.
Oh
Tiberius.
I'm sorry, Sextus.
[Sextus]
In your position, I
probably wouldn't have taken
an axe to the gods.
What have they ever done for me?
I heard your news.
I have some of my own.
It concerns you both.
You need to hear it.
[clears throat]
I hope my wife apologized.
They signed the treaty.
The dictators.
Well, I thought
that was all dead.
-The treaty with them.
-Just dragging on.
Negotiations.
But a winter without food
changed their minds.
We're now allies.
My position here
has been formally recognized,
and in return I'm raising
the blockade on Rome.
Huh! That's good news for you.
Of course.
Part of the treaty
is an amnesty
for everyone outlawed,
exiled during the wars.
Which obviously
includes you, Nero.
Hold on.
They agreed an amnesty?
For me?
Well, for everyone.
Right.
We can go home?
You can go home.
[Nero laughing]
♪♪
Quite a day.
Maybe you, uh, should offend
the gods more often.
Mm, I forgot myself.
It won't happen again.
No.
I feel sick.
[chuckles nervously]
[whispers] Good night.
Good night.
[Door opens, closes]
Shh.
Is it mine?
I don't think it can be, no.
I'm grateful for what you did.
Forcing the amnesty clause
into the treaty.
-It was your idea.
-You did it.
You brought Rome to its knees.
How does that feel?
Mm.
You don't have to go back.
You're contracted
to marry Scribonia's niece
to seal your alliance
with Gaius Julius.
And I won't be a mistress.
There's nothing for you in Rome.
My house, my inheritance
my life.
It's all in Rome, Sextus.
And I want it back.
Oh, the gods!
I hate being pregnant.
Try having three in four years.
Marcus Antonius
was always a bull.
Oh, I forgot to tell you,
I had a visit yesterday
from my cousin, Libo.
You may not know,
he's now the legal guardian
of Livia Drusilla,
now that her father's dead.
He wanted to know
if anything could be done
for Livia and her husband.
What?
She's still alive?
They're back in Rome, penniless.
And they're living at Libo's.
-The amnesty, of course.
-Mm.
Libo said they spent the winter
in Sicily with Sextus Pompeius.
He's obviously hoping
that you'll talk to Gaius.
Yes, they're hoping to get some
of their property back.
-What a nerve.
-Mm.
I can't just do nothing.
Libo's family. And he wants them
out of his house.
Just send them some food
and a sl*ve or something.
Where's the fun in that?
You can't have forgotten what
she said to us at her wedding.
No.
But that was a long time ago.
Aren't you curious
to see Livia again?
Now that you mention it,
not really.
Well, I am.
-I'll take this.
-You like?
Why?
-What have you got in mind?
-[laughs]
[gentle sobs]
[Tiberius] Mama.
Shh.
Libo.
Did you hear anything back
from Scribonia?
Look, Livia
You did go and see her?
Yes, but
I did try to tell you,
she brought up your wedding
again.
And of course,
you never really got on.
I mean, frankly I never thought
there was any chance
she'd talk to her husband
on your behalf,
and if she did that he'd listen.
-Thank you.
-I'm sorry.
Livia, come and work
the loom with us.
Livia, you can't go out alone.
[Herennia] Husband.
Tycho.
Daddy.
It's me.
[Livius]
And here, Little Bear
is the mausoleum
of our family.
All our ancestors
are here in these urns.
Twenty-eight consuls
and five dictators.
We don't mention
the dictators.
No, we don't.
And this is my father.
He'll have the wine.
And today we're also honoring
Publius Claudius Pulcher.
250 years ago,
he was the consul in charge
of the Roman fleet
before a great sea battle.
And naturally he consulted
the gods before he attacked,
but the priests told him
the sacred chickens
were refusing to eat.
[Livia] So what did he do?
[Livius] Oh, he flew
into a temper and roared,
"Then they can
f*cking well drink!"
And then he threw
the lot of them into the sea.
[laughing]
He lost the battle
but taught us
a valuable lesson.
Never drown chickens.
-Never lose your temper.
-Mm-hmm.
I'll be back tomorrow.
I've got to look for Antigone.
Libo? Excuse me.
Libo, uh, I need your advice.
As my friend, understand?
Rather than Livia's guardian.
Obviously, Livia's family
still has important connections,
-as you do, Libo.
-Yeah.
But Livius is gone
and so is all the money.
And with this amnesty,
I'm hoping to get
some of my properties back,
but it's obviously going
to drag on through the courts,
and these things
are always political.
So I was wondering
if I should divorce Livia
and marry someone
whose family'd be more useful
in the current climate
less associated
with the Republic.
A quiet, obedient widow
with plenty of money.
Right.
Let me think about it.
Eh.
It's not like Livia
ever tried very hard in bed,
and her father made the mistake
of educating her like a boy,
which of course
nobody wants in a wife.
Well, quite.
Shall we get a wh*re
before we go back?
There won't be time
before dinner.
[gasps] Prima.
We thought you were dead.
Domina.
-What?
-I need to get rid of it.
I've come back
for my birthright.
But for that
I need a new husband.
Someone with money
and influence.
And for that
I need to get rid of this.
Listen, Domina
if you don't bleed to death,
you'll never give birth again.
I'm a pregnant beggar
with no dowry.
What man will have me like this?
Antigone would know
how to do it.
She's back in Rome.
Did you know?
No.
-Where?
-She was sold.
-In the market.
-What?
-She'd lost everything.
-[Man] Prima!
There was nothing to be done.
-The Suburra.
-I'll come back for you.
Oh!
that I just think
that a man of my experience
[Herennia]
Oh, there you are, husband.
This sl*ve's just arrived
as a gift for Livia
from Scribonia.
From Scribonia?
Livia asked me
to approach her privately
to see if she could speak
to Gaius Julius on
-on your behalf.
-What?
What was Livia thinking? She
knows Scribonia can't stand her.
I told her it was hopeless,
but I had to ask.
There's also a note.
I don't believe it.
Well, it is
absurdly extravagant.
She could've bought them
an apartment for the same money.
[sniffing]
I'm afraid she'll have to sleep
in your room, Nero.
Oh, where's Livia?
Where is Livia?
[moaning]
[Man shouting indistinctly]
[indistinct chattering]
[coughing]
Hi!
[Women moaning]
Darling
Nice to see some class
in here finally.
Good evening, Lady.
Good evening.
Except, you're not
quite a lady, are you?
No sl*ves to guide you,
to protect you,
to hold your purse.
No rings, no necklace,
no jewelry.
Oh, that plain dress
from last year's fashion.
I can take you on trial
till the Kalends.
You'll have food,
wine, and a mattress.
I want a woman.
An African.
Oh.
Apart from that,
all I require from you
is obedience and discretion.
Then welcome
to the House of Balbina.
Lady.
Please.
She is from Africa.
-Mm-mm.
-What about her?
Turn, please.
Don't you have any others?
How lovely to see you.
She's from Africa.
We keep her here
because she tries to escape.
She'll do. Get out.
Ten asses.
[coins jingling]
Antigone.
Oh!
Oh, Antigone. Oh, my God.
Oh. Come here.
Come here.
Antigone. Antigone.
He took Tiberius and went.
I couldn't find you.
I didn't know where you were!
He beat me unconscious
in the forest.
When I came around, you'd gone.
I screamed and screamed,
but you never came.
I didn't know where you were,
so I'm sorry.
I didn't know.
[crying]
I'll get you out.
-[Balbina] Get her.
-I don't know how yet,
but I will.
I will! I will!
[grunting]
Livia!
Livia
Get your f*cking hands off me!
No one ever escaped from here,
although many have tried!
If you ever come back here
again, whoever you are,
We will put you to work for
the rest of your f*cking life!
[grunting]
[Door closes]
Thank you.
Lady, where have you been?
Soap and water.
Quickly.
You could've been k*lled.
[Herennia] Oh, Livia.
Where have you been?
Out of the house all day
and all night.
This is no way for a Roman lady.
Is that my dress?
What have you trodden in?
I'm sorry.
Livia
Forgive me,
but I've begun to notice all
is not well with your marriage.
And I have even, on occasion,
heard you contradict
your husband.
Yes, I have.
Dear Livia,
I beg you to remember your place
and consider your conduct.
The duty of every Roman woman
is to bear and raise children
for Rome,
to support her husband
without question in all things,
and to set an example to others
of modesty, chastity and virtue.
Of course, Herennia,
you're right.
And if I may say,
helping me with the weaving
would be a good start.
The sl*ves notice these things.
Thank you.
Now, go to your husband.
He has good news.
[clattering]
[snoring]
[muttering] Uh?
What's this?
Where have you been all day?
Hmm?
I went to look for Antigone.
-Antigone?
-Mm.
You're my wife. You can't
wander Rome on your own.
So, is she the good news
I've been hearing about?
I can't believe you got Libo
to approach Scribonia
without even telling me.
What were you thinking?
Did she invite us to dinner?
Gaius Julius has invited me
to dinner at his house.
Of course, you'll be expected
to go with me.
Of course
you know what this means?
Of course.
I'm back in the game.
What are you smiling about?
I have a bad feeling
about tonight.
This is a mistake, Scribonia.
What do you want me to do,
cancel?
I'm just concerned you
we
one might be seen
to be gloating.
I'm just inviting them
to dinner.
What's so bad about that?
A petty sort of revenge
under the guise of kindness.
I just invited them
to f*cking dinner.
Oh!
Perhaps I know you better
than you know yourself.
I'll be very nice to Livia,
I promise.
All right?
[Nero] I can't believe
they're keeping us waiting.
You shouldn't have worn
the toga.
We've met before?
With my father, yes.
-The night of the killings.
-[Gaius] Nero!
[chuckling]
Let me do the talking,
please.
No need for the toga.
We're very informal here.
Ah [laughs]
Livia.
I can't tell you what a pleasure
it is to see you again.
Thank you.
Livia.
You're all grown up.
So are you.
Isn't it funny?
Both of us pregnant
at the same time.
-And Octavia.
-[Nero] It's a nice house.
Is Marcus Antonius here?
He sends his compliments.
Maecenas is here though.
Oh, good.
Very nice.
Did you choose the colors?
Of course, it's not as big
as your father's house was.
No.
I know the family
that bought that.
Made a fortune in sl*ves.
Of course, you would know
people like that.
I hope you got a nice discount
on the one you sent me.
I actually thought you might
have learned a bit of humility.
You've no idea
what I've learned.
This time it's you
that's lucky to be invited.
[Octavia] Livia,
when are you due?
[Livia] Around
the end of the year.
-How about you?
-Autumn.
And you've got
a little boy, too?
The image of his father.
Well, I prefer the fights.
Half the time
I think the races are fixed.
[Maecenas] Did you see that
driver get k*lled last month?
-[Agrippa] Not mine at least.
-[Maecenas] That was a mess.
Nero, the thing I can't stand
is the f*cking theater.
[laughing]
So, do tell us
about your travels, Livia.
Been all over
since we last saw you.
Yes, we were outlaws
on the run for years.
Italy, Athens
Sicily and Sparta.
Anywhere that would have us.
-Hunted like pigs in a forest.
-Livia.
With a price on our heads.
Troubled times.
Everyone understands that.
Perhaps it's sad
I had to lose everything
to gain a little
humility and wisdom.
But, as my father always said,
"If you want to watch
the races
you have to pay at the gate."
Didn't he k*ll himself
at Philippi?
[Maecenas] You sell yourself
short, Livia.
How many wives
abandoned their husbands
-when they were outlawed?
-Mm, some even betrayed them.
We honor your loyalty
and courage.
My father would've expected it.
We honor him, too.
Excuse me.
I I apologize for my wife.
It's okay. Let me.
She provoked me.
You didn't hear what she said
to me before dinner.
Did you see her looking
at my husband?
Octavia!
I apologize if we upset you.
You didn't.
I had great respect
for your father.
I regret what had to happen.
I always used to wonder who
warned him before the killings.
We should see if maybe
something might be done
for your situation.
I didn't come back here to beg.
Then what did you come back for?
To find a new husband.
Anyone in particular?
[Nero] Livia.
Thank you both for tonight.
We won't keep you up any longer.
Don't forget the leftovers.
Thank you.
Nobody touched the dormice.
[Livia] Thank you.
You can't be taken in
by all of that.
It was all a f*cking act.
There are reports of plague
in the Suburra.
You didn't hear what she said
to me in the atrium.
Octavia's leaving for Greece
with her husband,
and I want you to go with her,
as far as the sea.
Are you punishing me?
No, it's for your health.
Just for a while.
And the baby's.
You're leaving as well?
Years of w*r, Gaius,
struggle and luck,
have brought you here.
To this place.
I'd be very sorry
to see you throw it all away
doing something stupid.
[knock on door]
-Get rid of these.
-Thank you, Tycho.
[Libo] Well, how'd it go?
Uh
no Marcus Antonius,
no offer of preferment,
and no mention
of getting any property back.
Oh, and -
this will surprise you -
Livia embarrassed herself
and everyone else
with her big mouth.
And I was the only c**t
in a f*cking toga!
-Why did he invite you, then?
-He didn't.
Don't men know anything?
[Agrippa] Do you think
she'd marry me?
Livia.
Her family connections
for someone like me.
She's obviously fertile.
I don't even mind
that she's clever.
What do you think?
She couldn't do better.
[banging]
Goodness, Livia.
You're always
looking out the door.
Whatever are you waiting for?
Tiberius!
The boy seems rather odd.
I can never get through to him.
Did you breast-feed?
There was no wet nurse.
He grew up in woods and fields.
He saw things no one should
have to, let alone a child.
But unless you're a mother,
you wouldn't understand.
I had three children
while you were away from Rome.
But they all died.
Forgive me.
[knock on door]
[Herennia] Livia?
Who's that?
[Vinnius] An escort
for Livia Drusilla.
Where are you going?
Livia?
[Door opens]
[Door slams shut]
[grunts]
What?
I'll never be your mistress
or anybody else's.
And yet, here you are.
You needed to see
what you were buying.
Then state your terms.
I want my inheritance back.
My birthright.
All of it.
Farms, mines, properties,
cash, sl*ves. Everything.
Anything else?
Yes. I want a platoon
of soldiers.
[laughing]
Oh, a
a platoon of soldiers.
-That's right.
-And, in return what do I get?
You get to divorce Scribonia
and marry Livia Drusilla
of the Claudii -
one of the
Five Great Families of Rome.
As you yourself said, there are
only three reasons to marry.
Money, power or family.
And you have no family.
-And you have nothing else.
-Perfect match, then.
You married Scribonia
to seal a peace with Sextus
that will never last.
You can't leave him in Sicily
with a fleet
that can cut off your
grain supply whenever he wants.
And your families
have never been friends.
Scribonia bought you time.
Nothing more.
Does your husband know
you're here?
He's secretly planning
to divorce me.
Hmm.
He thinks that
my family's history
of supporting the Republic
will no longer help what
one might laughingly describe
as his political career.
For your political career,
however
it's different.
My ancient patrician lineage
gives you the class you need
to buy the Old Families
in the Senate.
You
a provincial nobody
with no famous ancestors and
no death masks in the atrium,
would instantly acquire
all the honor and glamour
of my family's history.
You can't buy that.
Apparently you can.
Agrippa will marry you.
Not good enough.
No, there
there'd be a scandal.
If you care about that,
I don't want to marry you.
Some people
might hold me responsible
for your father's death.
He chose his own way.
Now I'm choosing mine.
Let me know.
What do you want the platoon
of soldiers for?
And remember
you already have my dowry.
-Agrippa!
-Gaius.
I'm thinking
of divorcing Scribonia.
What?
Why?
To marry Livia.
Livia.
Forgive me.
You're not serious.
Well, it makes sense
for us politically.
-Does it?
-Mm.
She buys us class.
She buys us votes.
She buys me nothing.
She buys you a f*cking scandal.
Dumping your pregnant wife
to marry someone else's
pregnant wife.
-Is that even legal?
-I'll speak to the Pontiffs.
We're hanging
by a f*cking thread here.
Marcus Antonius,
his friends in the Senate,
those other f*ck
that want the Republic back,
they will cut you off
like a f*cking leper.
It's the only excuse they need.
What about Sextus?
If you get rid of Scribonia
like this,
there's only one way
he can take that.
I mean, we've only just
announced the f*cking treaty.
It'll mean w*r with Sextus.
It'll come to that anyway.
With all of them.
In the end.
[Agrippa] I beg you, Livia.
Don't do this.
In Rome, women weave cloth
and bear children.
We live quietly
without a voice,
dutiful and modest,
waiting to be bought,
-sold and married by our men.
-Don't.
It's his decision.
You know that.
You could stop it.
Divorcing Scribonia.
Marrying you.
It'll pull everything apart.
That's going to happen anyway.
You'll lose your boy.
And the baby.
I knew that from the start.
But if you want to watch
the races
you really do have to pay
at the gate.
I'm just looking out
for my friend.
By going to me behind his back?
Lucky for you I know
how to keep my mouth tight shut.
I think we should be friends.
Know what I mean?
[indistinct chattering]
[Woman moaning]
[knocking on door]
[laughing]
You'll have to wait outside.
We're full.
Hey. Wait.
-Wait, wait, wait, wait.
-Stay here.
Get the chains off!
[Woman] What's going on?
Get dressed, Antigone.
The gods have finished
f*cking with us.
Ah.
Balbina.
I paid for this sl*ve.
I have the bill of sale.
She was freed,
and you had no right to buy her.
That's for you to prove.
The law says she's mine.
She's going nowhere
without full compensation.
You're right.
She's going nowhere
without full compensation.
Take all her money.
You have no idea
who you're dealing with.
It no longer matters.
This will be home.
You'll be safe here
with Gaius Julius
-until I can join you.
-Yeah.
-How long?
-I'm going to go find out now.
Thank you for the soldiers.
When will we be public?
At the end of the year.
I'll divorce Scribonia
when she gives birth,
-and then we can be married.
-The Pontiffs agreed?
Mm.
Of course, I have to give
your children to their father.
It's the law.
We can keep everything a secret
until the end of the year.
[breathing heavily]
Will Marcus Antonius
sit still in the East
while we take Sextus
out of Sicily?
Or will they take sides
against us?
[wailing]
[wailing continues]
[Scribonia] Help me!
[crying out]
[sl*ve] I need more water!
Bring more water, quickly!
[grunting]
Who the f*ck is that?
I can help.
[grunting]
Get her on her feet.
Come on, quickly.
[groans]
-Okay.
-Mm
Steady now, steady.
It's fine. It's fine.
It's fine.
[groans]
It'd solve a lot of problems
if she died.
Just saying.
[wailing]
-[wailing]
-You're doing good.
Yes, you're doing good.
It's fine.
Push. Push.
-It's coming now.
-You did good.
Great. Quick.
-Good.
-[wailing]
[Baby crying]
You did good.
You did good.
You did it.
[laughs] I did it.
You did. You did.
How great.
I'm sorry, Lord.
It's a girl.
But the mother will live.
[Baby crying]
Do you give the child life
or death?
-Life.
-Good.
Congratulations.
[Scribonia]
It's like sh1tting a statue.
But the girl, thank the gods,
is healthy.
Oh.
Gaius gave her life
and the name Julia.
I hope the voyage East was safe.
Oh, you look grim, Maecenas.
What's the matter?
Spit it out.
[Baby crying]
What's happened?
He's divorced Scribonia.
I don't believe it!
Yes, after all you've done
for me.
You wh*re!
You f*ck! You wh*re!
A bit late
for the principled stand.
Do you think
he's a better bet than me?
How long do you think
he'll last
sharing power
with Marcus Antonius?
I'm sure you're right.
You always seem to be.
The man who k*lled
your darling, dear father.
You betrayed the Republic,
my father, and then me.
From that moment on,
you were a ghost.
I just didn't tell you.
But anyway
I hope you find a quiet,
obedient widow.
With plenty of money.
Thank you, Tycho.
Oh, and I found Antigone.
[indistinct chattering]
Thank you both
for your hospitality.
I won't forget.
Tiberius,
Mummy has to go now.
Hey?
As long as you live,
you will never see
either of your children again.
Of course.
That is your right.
But nobody lives forever.
It's okay.
[laughter]
[Woman screaming]
[Man yelling indistinctly]
[Balbina] Shut the f*ck up!
This is a respectable house.
Hey! You too! Stop it!
[yelling continues]
-Shh!
-[Baby crying]
Yes, I'm supposed to be gone.
There's always a lot more
to pack than what you think.
Did you have to take my husband?
Did you have to invite me
to dinner?
Her name's Julia.
We'll look after her.
How quickly one can rise
when one has no feelings at all.
They're buried at Philippi.
[Door slams shut]
Welcome home, Domina.
Prima.
[Baby crying]
That's Julia.
-[gasps]
-[Water flowing]
The baby, it's coming.
Where's Antigone?
[Balbina coughing]
[wheezing]
[retching]
[coughing]
[retching]
[Guard] What's wrong?
[Livia] Antigone!
[wailing]
Breathe, Domina.
Come on. That's it.
Antigone!
Antigone!
It's fine. It's fine.
It's fine. It's fine.
It's fine.
I'm here now.
Come on, here.
Hold it here.
You're doing good.
Keep pushing.
One more push.
Come on.
That's it.
Come on. One more push.
Push.
Push.
You're doing good.
Right, I can see it.
It's almost there.
Great!
Yes.
Got him!
It's a boy.
[Baby crying]
[laughing]
[Livius] Livia!
[Gaius] We ask great Saturn
to whom these days of freedom
are devoted
to bring us health
and prosperity.
[Antigone] I've been telling you
to step in
and stop them bullying Tiberius.
I've spent the last ten years
making friends
with Octavia and Scribonia.
It's not a good time
to start that fight.
Gaius won't give back power.
Like Caesar,
he's defying the Senate.
Anything could happen.
I embraced your father
after Philippi.
He asked me to look after you,
but you betrayed him.
You married the man
who destroyed him
and everything he believed in.
You have nothing left to prove.
Step back and make history
as the Roman
who restored the Republic.
I don't want to be a dictator.
I want to be a god.
Then that's what we'll do.
♪♪
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01x02 - Rise
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The series charts the life and rise of Livia Drusilla, the powerful wife of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar.
The series charts the life and rise of Livia Drusilla, the powerful wife of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar.