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Herod's last few years were defined by soaring monuments of unsurpassed beauty, scale and sophistication that marked him as one of the greatest builders of all time. Oh, and a bunch of frenzied killing that made him a villain of (literally) biblical proportions. But, how much of this was the "real" Herod? What was this complicated man's true legacy?

Herod is firmly in control. He quickly becomes hated by his people. Some try to kill him. But then, he also tries to save many through personal and - if I do say so myself - quite thoughtful action. So, is this guy awful? Of maybe misunderstood? Or, somehow, a little of both.

Let's follow along as Herod rises to become king of Judea, a development that seems to have caught everyone off guard, including Herod himself. But gaining the throne didn't end his troubles; in many ways, they were just getting started.

For the final subject of season one, let's meet Herod, and cover about 1,000 years of interesting, chaotic, and, to some, sacred history.

With Gladiator II out, let's switch things up and get to know not a great of history, but one of the very worst ever: Roman Emperor Caracalla (and briefly, his less-bad brother, Geta). Content from this chapter is drawn in part from the book Evil Roman Emperors. www.amazon.com/Evil-Roman-Emperors-Shocking-Caligula/dp/1633886905/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

The final (no, really) episode in our sprawling series on the life and career of Pompey Magnus. Let's track the culmination of his war with Caesar, and consider his life and legacy.

The late Roman Republic was chaotic, with violence and bloodshed the norm. As the crisis reached its apex, two factions emerged: one led by Pompey, one led by Caesar. In time, of course, only one would be left standing...

Pompey finally encounters some political challenges that he can't solve on his own. Fortunately, he's got a couple of guys lurking in the shadows who are ready to help him and themselves. Their collaboration would change history, and the course of Pompey's life and career.

Woah. This guy has already been called "The Great," just in his twenties?! Where on earth can he go from here? Whelp. It turns out that his remarkable career is just getting started.

Let's track Pompey as he pushes in his chips and chooses sides in Rome's first major civil war, already! gets the name "The Great," and becomes the indispensable man of Rome, all before age thirty.

So, if you haven't figured this out yet, I am a nerd. Nothing brings out my inner nerdery like Rome. Buckle up; we're going to be here for a while!

The story of The Poison King reaches its violent apex. We've spent lots of time with this guy. Would you consider him to be "Great?"

The king is back from his self-imposed exile in the wilderness. Let's see what he does now that he is back in control of his kingdom.

Part one of our series on Mithridates, a larger than life figure and the deadliest enemy of those obnoxious Romans. You're going to love this guy.

Episode 22: Han Wudi, part 3

Episode 21: Han Wudi, part 2

Episode 20: Han Wudi, part 1

Episode 19: Ashoka, part 3

Episode 18: Ashoka, part 2

Episode 17: Ashoka, part 1

Episode 16: Alexander III, part 5

Episode 15: Alexander III, part 4

Episode 14: Alexander III, part 3

Episode 13: Alexander III, part 2

Episode 12: Alexander III, part 1

Bonus Episode: Three New Things I've Learned About Nebuchadnezzar II

Episode 11: Darius I, Part 2

Episode 10: Darius I

Bonus Episode: Three New Things I've Learned About Ramesses II