In Part 1 of our planned four-part series on Rome, Robert kicks us off with an exploration of the virtues and vices of the Roman Republic. It becomes a cautionary tale on the 21st century with help from Francis and Martin.

Tom Holland's Rubicon from 2005 and Adrian Goldsworthy's Caesar: Life of a Colossus from 2007 and The Punic Wars from 2001 serve as launching points.