First look at Sky’s historical epic Domina offers a different spin on Ancient Rome

Sky has offered an early look at Domina, its upcoming Roman historical drama, which details the power struggles of Ancient Rome from the perspective of its women.

The eight episode series, heading to Sky Atlantic, tells the true story of Livia Drusilla, the first Empress of Rome. Kasia Smutniak (Perfect Strangers) plays Livia. The supporting cast includes Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones) playing Livius, Livia’s father, and Colette Tchantcho (The Witcher) as Antigone, Livia’s best friend, ex-slave and closest ally, with the young Livia played by Nadia Parkes (The Spanish Princess).

Created and written by Simon (Fortitude) Burke, with Australian filmmaker Claire McCarthy (The Luminaries) as lead director, Domina also stars Matthew McNulty (Misfits) as the future emperor Gaius, Christine Bottomley (The End of the F***ing World) as Scribonia, Ben Batt (Captain America: The First Avenger) as Agrippa, Enzo Cilenti (Free Fire) as Tiberius Claudius Nero, while Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black) plays Claudia Octavia. Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet) makes an appearance playing Balbina, an early enemy.

“A visceral and authentic family saga, grounded in historical accuracy…”

Here’s the official set-up: The story follows Livia’s journey from a naïve young girl whose world crumbles in the wake of Julius Caesar’s assassination, to Rome’s most powerful and influential Empress, driven by a deep desire to avenge her father and secure power for her sons. Livia and her peers navigate their way through a brutal society by means of strategy, conspiracy, seduction and murder. 

The promise is of ‘a visceral and authentic family saga, grounded in historical accuracy and bringing to life the incredible true stories of the women who would create one of the most enduring dynasties of all time.’

The show will air in May on Sky Atlantic and NOW. Domina is produced by Fifty Fathoms (Fortitude), Tiger Aspect and Sky Studios.