In this episode, we continue with one of the most remarkable but largely forgotten Roman emperors - Anastasius. In his reign, a great religious conflict divided the empire and one that nearly toppled him from power.

Anastasius was one of the most important but often ignored of the eastern Roman emperors. In his reign, to paraphrase Gregory of Tours: 'A great many things happened, some good, some bad.' In this episode, we look at one that was decidedly bad for the Romans - the return of the Sasanians.

Anastasius is not one of Rome's most famous emperors but his achievements were critical to the growing strength of the eastern empire. It would be no exaggeration to say he was 'The New Diocletian'.

After the defeat at Carthage in 468, the eastern empire was looking precarious. But a new emperor, Zeno, would ensure both its and his own survival.

The Western Empire has fallen. In the East, Rome stands firm despite the failure of its expedition to recover North Africa. But a new power is emerging: the Ostrogoths.

Before we begin the story of the great Age of Justinian, let's return to Attila the Hun. What was his role in paving the way for Justinian? You may be in for a surprise!

In this episode, we look at what life for ordinary people was like as the western empire fell. And one extraordinary document has survived to tell us a fascinating tale.

We are now counting down the days to the official end of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476. But there are plenty of twists and turns still to come.

In 468, the eastern emperor Leo launched an invasion fleet to recapture Carthage from the Vandals. It was one of the greatest military expeditions in Roman history.

In 461, Ricimer executed the emperor Majorian. He would become the virtual king of Italy.

After the Vandals sacked Rome in AD 455, it looked as if the Western Roman Empire might be finished. But a new emperor seized power. His name was Majorian. He was the last hope of the West.

The year is AD 455. The Vandals are at the gates of Rome. The emperor, Petronius Maximus, has been ripped to pieces by the Roman mob. Is this now the end of the western empire?

On the 21 September 454, one of the most extraordinary events in all of Roman history happened. Aetius, the hero of the Western Empire, was stabbed to death by the emperor Valentinian III.

In AD 453, the eastern Roman emperor, Marcian, dreamed an angel brought him a broken Hunnic bow. Two days later, news reached Constantinople that Attila the Hun was dead. Now, his great empire began to unravel.

After his defeat at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, Attila looked for an easier target than Gaul or Constantinople. In 452, a Hunnic army swept into the Adriatic side of Italy. The Italian job had begun.

On 20 June, 451, one of the most decisive battles in history took place in Gaul as Attila's invading army was met by a great coalition of Romans, Visigoths, Alans, Franks and others. It was the battle for western Europe.

The year is AD 451. Attila the Hun is marching on Gaul. There the Roman general Aetius - remembered as 'The Last of the Romans' - is trying to form a grand coalition to save Europe.

In AD 450, a Roman princess called Honoria contacted Attila the Hun. She asked him to stop an arranged marriage with a man she disliked. Attila replied: why not marry me instead?

In 447, Attila struck the Eastern Roman Empire. It was the largest military engagement for half a century. After peace was agreed, the Romans sent an embassy to have dinner with Attila...and assassinate him!

In the 430s, a new Hunnic leader rose to power. Soon his name would strike fear into the hearts of the Romans. It was Attila.