William Hartnell stars as the Doctor, alongside William Russell as Ian, Jacqueline Hill as Barbara and Maureen O'Brien as Vicki in this four part story set in Ancient Rome. With linking narration by a member of the original cast.

The year is 64 AD, and the TARDIS travellers are enjoying a restful time in a villa close to Rome. Their peace and quiet is shattered when a visit to the city sees the Doctor mistaken for a lyre player, and him and Vicki subsequently pursued by an assassin. Meanwhile Ian and Barbara are kidnapped by slave traders. Using all his ingenuity to gain the freedom of Nero's court, the Doctor inadvertently inspires the Emperor's plans to completely rebuild Rome. Can the TARDIS crew reunite and escape Rome before it burns to the ground?