Ancients Behaving Badly

Ancients Behaving Badly is an intriguing historical documentary series premiered in 2009 on the History Channel. Engaging and informative in nature, this series is a bold expedition into the debauched lives of the most notorious figures in ancient history. Employing an impressive blend of dramatic narratives, expert interviews, and cutting-edge computer graphics, the series offers an intense, unadorned look at ancient civilizations and the figures that led them, displaying their most deviant traditions and eye-opening practices.

Each of the eight episodes of Ancients Behaving Badly takes you on a rich journey into the personal lives and eras of some of the most formidable individuals in history. These episodes delve into the lives of notorious personalities whose actions, for good or ill, significantly impacted their chosen arenas. They have left indelible marks on the human timeline, with their lives echoing through millennia in tales of power, deceit, ambition, and occasionally, scope for redemption.

The characters that come under the scanner in Ancients Behaving Badly include Emperor Caligula, who was infamous for his sexual proclivities and cruelties during the Roman era. There is an in-depth exploration of Julius Caesar and his iron-fisted rule in Ancient Rome; Attila the Hun, whose ruthless approach left the Roman Empire on its knees; and Nero, another Roman Emperor who wielded both his power and his madness viciously. That's not all; the series also includes the likes of Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and Hannibal among others characterized as 'badly behaved' historical figures.

Contemporary recreations, computer-generated imagery (CGI), and expert theories bring alive the sights and sounds of a time far removed from ours, while seeming disturbingly familiar as well. Most remarkably, the series uses modern personality profiling to assess the mental state and behavioral tendencies of these ancient leaders. The judgments are based on the countless horrendous acts committed which include sexual perversion, acts of extreme violence, paranoia, narcissism, and overwhelming desire for power.

In addition, the stylish animation compliments the riveting narration and vivid descriptions, enabling viewers to better visualize the historical events and antics of these characters. The series is hosted by the eloquent Tom McCamus, whose engaging narrative style adds an extra dimension to the series, making the recounted events feel incredibly real and present to the viewer.

The CGI is of exceptional standard in Ancients Behaving Badly. Given the historical depth of the program, the evocative visual effects serve to intensify and enrich the viewer's experience. Every sweep and stroke of the animator's brush is done with utmost precision and accuracy, rendering the historical backgrounds convincingly real and truly engaging to behold.

Expect a fair share of violence and gory details as these historical figures didn't exactly lead quiet, uneventful lives. Whether it is conquering vast lands or establishing an epoch-defining reign, their controlling tactics were often coupled with excessive force and harsh punishment.

Despite its name suggesting notorious behavior, the series uniquely presents an objective, balanced interpretation of the featured figures. It offers viewers the chance to decide whether these notable individuals were merely products of their time or if their behaviors were genuinely ‘bad.’

Overall, Ancients Behaving Badly is not just a documentation of the repugnant acts committed in antiquity but a well-researched and exquisitely detailed study into their motives and effects. It provides historical insight while simultaneously provoking human interest and curiosities about these infamous historical figures.

This provocative series is drenched in fascinating ancient history, brought to life through modern storytelling techniques. It's provocative and thoughtful, at times deeply unsettling, but always compelling. It's a must-watch for both casual history enthusiasts and academic scholars who derive pleasure from examining the darker shades of our shared past. Ultimately, Ancients Behaving Badly is a testament to the fact that power can indeed corrupt, and absolute power taken to the extremes, can produce historical figures that remain eternally fascinating and profoundly stirring.