A BBC press release today announced that they are co-producing a 12 part drama series about Rome with HBO. (This is the first series co-produced deal between the two companies.) The series, which will air in 2005, begins with Julius Caesar's triumphant return to Rome after his conquest of Gaul. It is described as being epic in scope, and filming will take place in Rome, North Africa, and throughout Europe.
The press release draws comparisons with I, Claudius, a 13 part mini-series that the BBC produced in 1976. John and I watched I, Claudius on our local PBS station over one summer while we were teenagers. (Why they were showing Masterpiece Theatre summer afternoons is beyond me.) I recently rewatched it earlier this year after John gave me the DVD set for a Christmas gift, and if this new series uses I, Claudius as its standard for excellence, I have no doubt that they'll produce a great series.