What has "The Romans" ever done for us? (documentary)

What has "The Romans" ever done for us? was a 2|entertain DVD documentary looking at the fact and fiction of the Doctor Who serial The Romans. It was comprised of interviews with cast, crew and historians.

The history of the Roman Empire was explored, with the focus on 64 AD. Writer Dennis Spooner's relationship with fellow cast and crew was commented upon. What has also detailed the obvious comedic style that the serial was written in. William Hartnell was particularly fond of these elements. Derek Francis' portrayal of Nero is examined.

The title is a reference to a quote from Monty Python's The Life of Brian, "What have the Romans ever done for us?"

The 2022 reissue of the documentary, part of The Collection: Season 2 Blu-ray box set, was dedicated to the memory of one of its contributors, Ian McLachlan.

Booklet synopsis
Actors, crew and historians look at both the reality and fantasy behind the story of The Romans. With actors William Russell, Kay Patrick, Barry Jackson, Anthony Andrews and Christopher Biggins, director Christopher Barry, designer Raymond Cusick, historian Dr Mark Bradley, writer James Moran, Doctor Who Magazine editor Tom Spilsbury and 1960s viewer Ian McLachlan. Narrated by John Bowe.

People interviewed

 * Dr. Mark Bradley, Lecturer in Ancient Histories, Nottingham University
 * Anthony Andrews, Emperor Nero in 'A.D.' (1985)
 * Christopher Biggins, Emperor Nero in 'I Claudius' (1976)
 * Christopher Barry, Director
 * William Russell, Ian Chesterton
 * Kay Patrick, Poppaea
 * Tom Spilsbury, Editor, 'Doctor Who Magazine'
 * James Moran, Doctor Who writer, 'The Fires of Pompeii' (2008)
 * Ian McLachlan, Avid Viewer 1963-present
 * Barry Jackson, Ascaris
 * Raymond Cusick, Designer

Crew

 * 'The Romans' gave us - Anthony Andrews, Christopher Barry, Christopher Biggins, Dr. Mark Bradley, Raymond Cusick, Barry Jackson, Ian McLachlan, James Moran, Kay Patrick, William Russell, Tom Spilsbury
 * Narrator - John Bowe
 * Camera - Rob Fairclough, Richard Molesworth
 * Colourist - Jonathan Wood
 * 3D Backgrounds - Rob Semenoff
 * Photographs - Jack Barry, Derek Handley, Paul Vanezis, BBC Photographic Library
 * With thanks to - Rebecca Attenborrow, Henry Holland, John Kelly
 * Assistant Producer - Stella Broster
 * Executive Producer - Dan Hall
 * Produced by - Steve Broster
 * © 2009 2|entertain