Based on Daniel P Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, here’s everything you need to know about Those About To Die.

What is Those About To Die about?

Chronicling the world of gladiators in ancient Rome, the official synopsis for Those About To Die promises the show will shine a light on “the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most… blood and sport”.

“The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics and dynasties,” it adds.

Who stars in Those About To Die?

It’s an all-star cast for this one, with the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari and Moe Hashim getting their swords and sandals on.

Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, Emilio Sakraya, David Wurawa, Pepe Barroso, Gonçalo Almeida, Eneko Sagardoy, and Romana Maggiora Vergano also star.

What are people saying about Those About To Die?

Rheon, best known for his work on Game Of Thrones, takes on the role of the ruthless Tenax, the operator of one of Rome’s most prominent betting taverns.

As such, his character straddles the criminal underworld and the upper echelons of the wealthy – a duality that forms a key theme in the series.

“I think particularly for me, it was that understanding of the factionalism and who owns these factions, and that the rich elite, the patricians who have owned this, have owned it forever,” the Rheon told NBC.

“It’s a very, very small minority of the society, but they run the show, and they’re the senatorial class of people.

“And I think for Tenax, it’s that frustration that he feels, it’s kind of a bit of a dichotomy for him that he really despises these people above him, but he wants to be there because he feels that’s the next step for him. He’s reached the top of his underground world as a plebeian, and now he feels he’s looking up thinking, ‘I want to be there. Why are they the ones that are allowed to be there?’ And I think that plays a massive part in Tenax’s character.”

When and where can we watch Those About To Die?

Those About To Die is streaming in the UK exclusively on Amazon Prime Video from 19 July.

Will you be watching?

Those About To Die is here to scratch that Gladiator 2 itch in a very big way