Domina: Everything you need to know about the Ancient Roman drama

Grounded in historical accuracy, Domina will show a different side to Ancient Rome by portraying the classical civilisation from the perspective of its women.

From the team behind arctic thriller Fortitude, the 10-part drama will follow the extraordinary rise of Livia Drusilla, who became Rome’s most powerful and influential Empress.

What is it about? 

Domina follows Livia Drusilla, a naïve young girl who goes on to become one of the ancient world’s most powerful women, determined to secure power for her sons and avenge her father.

“As a frontrunner in defending women's rights, she was a tough woman who was both feared and cherished and was strong enough to seal the fate of the Roman Empire,” explained Kasia Smutniak (Dolittle) who plays Livia in the series. 

Through a combination of strategy, seduction, conspiracy and murder, Livia and her peers navigate their way through a brutal society.

The series is written by Simon Burke, who has previously worked on Fortitude, Strike Back and Zen, and the lead director is Australian filmmaker Claire McCarthy (The Luminaries). Academy Award winner Gabriella Pescucci  (The Age of Innocence) is also on board to design the costumes. 

Who is in the cast?

Joining Kasia Smutniak, who stars as Livia Drusilla, is Game of Thrones’ Liam Cunningham, above, who plays her father, and Isabella Rossellini (Alias) as Balbina, an early enemy.

Deadwater Fell’s Matthew McNulty stars as future emperor Gaius, while Enzo Cilenti (Luther) is Tiberius Claudius Nero. 

Also appearing in the drama is Christine Bottomley (The End of the F***ing World) as Scribonia, Colette Tchantcho (The Witcher) as Antigone, Ben Batt (Jamestown) as Agrippa and Claire Forlani (Departure) plays Claudia Octavia.

When does Domina start?

Filming began in Rome in November 2019, so we expect Domina to arrive on NOW TV towards the end of the year.