I've been psyching up for Rome 2 Total War. I just watched the 2005-2007 HBO series, Rome. I found it to be enjoyable, but I had mixed feelings about a lot of it. There were a lot of times it felt like I was watching Game of Thrones and not just because of the advlt themes. You can really just feel the HBO touch on it.

Masada is a cool 6 hour mini series with Peter O'Toole. It's pretty tedious, but good.

Of course Gladiator is awesome as a film for fun. Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton remains my favorite film in the genre, followed by Fall of the Roman Empire with James Mason. Caligula(1979) with Malcolm McDowell and Peter O'Toole is still a favorite and probably the most convincing depiction I've ever seen.

As far as novels go, Salambo: High Priestess of Carthage by Gustave Flaubert is really good. I don't really know about newer stuff, though.

In terms of games, Rome Total War is amazing. My brother has some Roman game for PS2, but I forgot what it's called. It's pretty fun. I have something called Grand Ages of Rome for PC but I still haven't played it yet, so I don't know if it's playable.

And I still can't stop listening to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paeu8b70lYo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JtXgXDlCUc.

What are your favorite films/tv/books/games/music with Ancient Rome as a setting?

Also, what's your favorite period of Ancient Rome? I'm a Republic man myself, but most people seem to like the Empire more. There aren't a lot of good representations of Rome during the Republic that I know of, and far less during the monarchy prior. I really wish they would do a worthy film trilogy on the Punic Wars because it deserves more attention.

Watch the "The Eagle" and "Centurion" really good Roman films.

Any good movies involving Carthage and or Hannibal?

Hmmmm. As brilliant and as badass as Hannibal of Carthage was, Carthage really dosen't interest me as much as ancient Rome. (Despite the punic wars and all that) LOL, I say wait for ROme 2 for him.

Well that svcks, guess I'll have to find out if there is anything good on him on my own. Probably not though. Just the latest Rome 2 trailer.

I pre-ordered Rome 2 a few weeks ago. I recently read Emperor: Blood of Gods by Conn Igulden, set after Caesar's assassination and Octavian's struggle for power in Rome.

I really want to watch HBO Rome. How many series were there?

Oh, and my favourite period is definitely the Empire, probably under Hadrian. I'd love to live in ancient Rome, and Hadrian's reign seems to pose the least threats.

I'm pretty sure The Grey was based on Hannibal.