The show initially follows new arrivals from the provinces Marcus, Stylax, and their slave Grumio, as they deal with daily life in ancient Rome.

Marcus and Stylax work in the scriptorium of a grain company with their manager, Flavia, the water-carrier Aurelius, and communications officer Claudius.

They live next door to two attractive young British women: Cynthia, an aspiring actress, and her slave Metella, with their ever unscrupulous landlord a constant thorn in their sides.

The third series saw the departure of Cynthia and Metella, and the introduction of Delphine, a young woman from Gaul, who begins a relationship with Marcus.

The fourth series replaces Stylax, who is crushed to death, with a new character, Jason, played by Jonathan Pointing and gives Aurelius a leading role.

[citation needed] At an auction, Marcus and Stylax purchase a new slave (Tim Key) who might be a psychopath.