The roar of a crowd. A sound that countless gladiators heard as they walked out onto the sands of the Roman arena. A sound that you can still hear today in stadiums around the world, where athletes compete for wealth and for glory.

On Episode 5 of Rise or Die, host Dana Schwartz (Noble Blood) wanted to explore how the creative team behind Those About To Die explored the similarities between the spectacle of the Roman arena and modern sports. She speaks with historical consultant Justin Pollard about the bread and circuses and his feeling that F1 racing is the modern incarnation of the Circus Maixmus. This episode also features interviews with actors Dimitri Leonidas and Gabriella Pession, costume designer Gianni Calanuovo, director Marco Kreuspaintner, and director and executive producer Roland Emmerich.

Check out Those About To Die after the episode, streaming only on Peacock.