Sky One dons its Toga for a lavish six-part mini series marching its way onto Thursday nights. From the executive producers of Oscar winning movie Chicago, EMPIRE is an epic drama bringing to life the fate of the entire Roman Empire and arguably one of the most significant figures in modern history, Octavius – the boy destined to become Emperor Augustus.

EMPIRE features a stellar international cast including Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) Santiago Cabrera (Heroes) Jonathan Cake (First Knight) Vincent Regan (Troy, 300) Chris Egan (Home and Away) and James Frain (24, The Tudors). Guest stars include Dennis Haysbert (24, The Wire) and Trudie Styler.

Shot entirely on location in Southern Italy and Rome, Empire chronicles the life and rise of Octavius (Cabrera). It’s 44BC and Rome is a Republic stricken by poverty and controlled by a senate corrupted with power. Conqueror Julius Caesar (Colm Feore, Chicago) is murdered by members of the senate and General Marc Antony (Regan) assumes the throne. But Caesar’s dying wish is for his 17-year-old nephew, Octavius, to become his heir. Raised in privilege and pleasure, Octavius has never seen a battlefield and has no experience to lead a Republic with. Marc Antony vows to annihilate Caesar’s entire bloodline and retain his control.

But Octavius finds an ally in the gladiator Tyrannus (Cake), who has sworn to protect him and help secure his inherited throne. The duo must wrestle the tenuous power from Anthony’s devious grasp with the help of Agrippa (Egan), a young soldier and Camane (Blunt), a Vestal Virgin. Together they will help Octavius fulfil his destiny.

A visually stunning drama series, with spectacular action sequences, breathtaking cinematography and a superb international cast don’t miss EMPIRE, Thursday 26th June at 10.00pm on Sky One and Sky One HD.