“The image of the extraordinary Roman Empire has inspired dreamers and dictators throughout the ages, luring some to return to Rome to fuel their own dreams of power”

Wealthier and more powerful than any other ancient civilisation, the Roman Empire enjoyed a long period of prosperity, known as the Pax Romana.

But perhaps the greatest treasure of this period is not its riches, but its myth....

In the middle of the 14th century, Cola Di Rienzo, a Roman inn keeper, rekindled the days of the city's former glory. Although his efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful he fuelled the Renaissance with his notion that Rome could rise again.

Six hundred years later, Benito Mussolini rose to power in Italy and became increasingly obsessed with re-establishing it's imperial past. Like Cola Di Rienzo, Mussolini would die without pursuing his fantasy.

This documentary is part of the highly acclaimed ‘Treasure Seekers’ series, produced for National Geographic.