They stand today as testaments to the glory and grandeur of ancient Rome. But what brutal and murderous price was paid to build and maintain these imperial monuments? The celebrated Roman monuments were once splendid arenas where no form of torture was deemed too cruel; places of worship where gods were frequently honored with shocking ritualistic sacrifices; and pleasure palaces where wanton sexual depravity was not only accepted but encouraged. In this captivating program, Ancient Mysteries presents the stories behind those responsible for creating these imposing structures and attempts to uncover what these monuments symbolized in the ancient Roman world. Join A&E for an exciting journey into the past to resolve some of the unanswered questions surrounding the magnificent and controversial monuments.