No, Senex, I hadn't seen those images - bless you! My theft career just jumped exponentially.

And I agree with TL, the first view I had of the Forum showed a huge victory arch (Septimus Severus?) and I thought - whoa! But I think part of the problem is that, if they truly showed Rome just like it was at the end of the Republic, it would be not only rather dingy but unrecognizeable. Not even the Basilica Julia was yet finished, and after 52 BC, the Senate house would have been in ruins. I'm inclined to cut them some slack.

Another thing - I know they actually BUILT five acres of Rome at Cinicetta Studios, and it looks it. I don't know how, but I'm sure if they tried to do this all with CGI, the feeling and texture would have been completely different.

What I did look for, and haven't found as much as I wanted, was some of the scenes of the interiors of the houses. They are GORGEOUS. Whether it's the decorations on the walls (I'm trying to remember my "three styles of Roman architecture for beginners" studies), the lavish floors, the color-coordinated and beautiful furniture and furnishings - not tons, just enough - and that stuff, one realizes that the houses of the Rich and Famous in Rome were probably as beautiful as any interior decorations ever created. I'm waiting for a few of THOSE shots and will redecorate my own domus so fast, your head will spin!