When shooting started, the series was supposed to be eight hours long. When it was clear, that the show was going to excessively run over budget, it was cut down to six hours.

Real swords were used in close-up shots for authenticity. This risky decision resulted in Jonathan Cake being cut during filming for the first episode. The cut became infected and Cake required hospital treatment.

Victor Garber was the original casting choice for the role of Julius Caesar, but had to bow out, shortly before the show went into production.