Stream now with KPBS Passport / Watch Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV + Sunday, Aug. 31 at 10 pm. on KPBS 2
Is history repeating Itself? Follow an in-depth investigation into the real causes of the decline of the Roman Empire, three deadly epidemics and climate change could have caused its collapse — drawing frightening parallels to today.
Film Interviewees
- Benoit Rossignol – Professor of Roman History, Panthéon-Sorbonne University
- Véronique Boudon-Millot – Head of Research, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
- Ulf Büntgen – Dendrochronologist, University of Cambridge
- Igor Sljusarenko – Archaeologist, University of Novossibirsk
- Michael McCormick – Professor of Medieval History, Harvard University
- Elena Korotkikh – Lab Manager, Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine
- Paul Mayewski – Director, Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine
- Benoit Ode – Archaeologist
- Paul Raynaud – Archaeologist, University of Montpellier / CNRS
- Nolwenn Germain – Archaeo-anthropology Student
- Johannes Krause – Archaeogeneticist, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Watch On Your Schedule: SECRETS OF THE DEAD "The End of the Romans" is available to stream with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
About The Series: As one of PBS’s ongoing limited primetime series, SECRETS OF THE DEAD is a perennial favorite, routinely ranking among one of most-watched series on public television. Now in its 20th season, SECRETS OF THE DEAD uses the latest scientific discoveries to challenge prevailing ideas and share fresh perspectives on historical events. The series has received 10 CINE Golden Eagle Awards and six Emmy nominations, among numerous other awards.
SECRETS OF THE DEAD is on Facebook
Credits: A production of The WNET Group. Stephanie Carter is executive producer. Stephen Segaller is executive in charge.
