65 Roman Period Drama Films

In 303 AD, Emperor Diocletian unexpectedly demotes Sebastian, his favored palace guard captain, to common soldier and exiles him to a remote coastal outpost. Isolated there, Sebastian's fellow soldiers turn to homosexual relationships for satisfaction, including officer Severus, who becomes…

In Pompeii, the kind-hearted Glaucus rescues Nydia, a blind slave abused by her owner. Nydia becomes enamored with Glaucus, who is captivated by Ione. Meanwhile, Arbace, an Egyptian priest of Isis, desires Ione. Nydia pleads with Isis for a way…

This film explores the Arthurian legend through the lens of the "Sarmatian hypothesis." It proposes that the story has roots in the Sarmatian cavalry troops stationed in Britain, and that the Roman-British commander, Lucius Artorius Castus, is the historical figure…

Set in ancient Dacia between 80 and 44 BC, the film follows war-leader Burebista. During a time of constant threat from Celtic warlords and Greek city-states along the Black Sea, Burebista's story is one of strength and skillful leadership. This…

In ancient Britain, as Roman rule tightens its grip across Europe, a tribe led by Selina rises up to fight for freedom. Roman commander Justinian is dispatched to crush the rebellion, employing ruthless methods. However, he finds himself conflicted when…

A Roman hero, exiled from the city, forms an unlikely alliance with his longtime enemy to exact revenge on Rome.

A Roman soldier develops feelings for the daughter of a prominent Greek figure who opposes Roman rule.

A film adaptation of William Shakespeare's play.

This is a story about friendship, betrayal, and finding forgiveness. Judah Ben-Hur and Messala were close friends, but their lives have taken them in different directions. Messala is now a powerful Roman officer, while Judah, though wealthy as an Israelite,…

Young Nero witnesses the brutal murder of his father and exile of his mother, Agrippina, by Emperor Caligula. While in exile, Agrippina receives a vision: her son is destined to be emperor, but only if she dies first, a fate…

In 35 A.D., a Roman officer is dispatched to Palestine to look into the death and potential resurrection of a man named Jesus of Nazareth.

King Decebalus of Dacia is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his people. His son Cotyso is offered to the god Zamolxis, a decision that deeply distresses the King and his daughter Meda. Septimius Severus, a young Roman…

Set in ancient Pompeii, this action film follows a blacksmith who becomes a gladiator. His path to wealth and power is threatened by his son's new Christian beliefs and the impending eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

As Emperor Domitian cracks down on Christians, the elderly apostle John experiences visions of the future.

In a small clinic on the edge of a busy city, "Naša mala klinika" presents a humorous and dramatic look at the lives of its staff and patients. Dr. Leopold Krota, a compassionate and witty family doctor, is central to…

Following the conclusion of Trajan's Dacian Wars in 106 AD, the southwestern region of Dacia was established as a Roman province: Roman Dacia.

This film adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's play tells the story of an aging Julius Caesar who meets a young Egyptian queen. Caesar, weighed down by age and power, becomes fascinated by the queen's mystery and energy, sparking a complicated…

This is a video recording of the 1979 New York Shakespeare Festival production of *Coriolanus*, featuring an all-Black and Hispanic cast. Producer Joseph Papp aimed to offer professional opportunities to actors of minority ethnic backgrounds. The play follows a banished…

As Hannibal threatens to conquer Rome, the city's leader Fabius Maximus prepares for war. Meanwhile, Fabius' fiancée, Amytis, becomes fascinated by the renowned general. She journeys to Hannibal's camp to see him, and is captured. Captivated by Hannibal, Amytis then…

Cleopatra teases Mark Antony, who desires to unite his power in Rome with her kingdom in Egypt.

The legendary Gauls lend their expertise to Queen Cleopatra when she proposes a challenge: to construct a palace for Julius Caesar within a mere three months, proving the skill of the Egyptian workforce.

In 140 AD, twenty years after the entire Ninth Legion vanished in the Scottish mountains, Centurion Marcus Aquila travels from Rome to uncover the truth and clear his father's name. He's joined only by his British slave, Esca, as he…

In 54 B.C., Julius Caesar aims to secure his power in Rome by suppressing a revolt in Gaul. The rebellion is led by Vercingetorix, a tribal chieftain who has united many tribes, including one led by Queen Asterid and others…

This historical epic follows a powerful Carthaginian general on a daring journey through the dangerous Alps. He leads a large group of elephants, intending to conquer ancient Rome. The film explores military strategy, how animals adapt, cultural differences, and the…

Messalina, a Roman noblewoman, persuaded the aging Emperor Claudius to marry her. After becoming empress, Messalina initiated a period of intense power and upheaval that destabilized the empire. British actress Belinda Lee portrays Rome's most reviled empress in this film.

In 50 B.C., a peaceful village in Gaul is protected by its strong people, who gain their strength from a magical potion made by Druids. When Julius Caesar and his officer Detritus plan a route through Gaul towards the English…

Following Emperor Marcus Aurelius's death, his ambitious son seizes control and undermines Maximus, a highly respected general favored by the late emperor. Ultimately, Maximus is compelled into gladiatorial combat, forced to fight for his life in public spectacles.

Ambition and loyalty collide when Julius Caesar is assassinated by a group led by Brutus. This film explores the resulting turmoil in ancient Rome and its impact on the republic's future. It examines the political landscape and how Caesar's death…

This historical drama follows Marcus Vinicius, a strong Roman military leader, who becomes unexpectedly drawn to Lygia, a compelling Christian woman held captive by his soldiers. As they connect, Marcus grows increasingly troubled by the oppressive rule of Emperor Nero.…

In 411 AD, *Pendragon* follows the journey of young Artos, who was taught from childhood that God had a plan for every day. After his family is murdered and he is enslaved by the Saxons, Artos begins to doubt his…

A clever slave finds a path to freedom by maneuvering the relationships between a virgin courtesan, her owner, and his devoted servant. Using his intelligence and understanding of people, he orchestrates events to gain his liberty and reveal the power…

The film depicts a major battle between a large invading force and the Roman soldiers who are determined to protect the Roman Empire.

In 60 B.C., a group of Druids, led by their chief Guttuart (Max von Sydow), see a comet and believe it signals the arrival of a king for Gaul, which has long been without one. Guttuart travels to Gergovia, the…

In ancient Rome, where gladiatorial combat is a brutal spectacle, a group of strong female slaves revolts against their masters in a fight for freedom. Inspired by Spartacus, these women are thrust into the arena and must use their courage,…

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival presents: Caesar and Cleopatra. George Bernard Shaw transforms a political drama into a witty comedy, focusing on the relationship between Julius Caesar and the young Cleopatra, queen of Egypt. Their meeting under the desert moon marks…

In modern-day Germany, the trial of Yeshua Ha-Notsri is overseen by prosecutor Pontius Pilate. Pilate believes Yeshua is innocent, yet he is compelled to condemn him to death.

Boudica, a Celtic queen, became a symbol of resistance against the Roman Empire. The king of the Iceni tribe agreed to a treaty with Rome to maintain their independence, but heavy taxes left the tribe impoverished. When the Romans demanded…

In 180 A.D., the Roman Empire faces invasion from Germanic tribes. Emperor Marcus Aurelius, weakened by illness, must choose his successor during a period of intense political turmoil. His son, Commodus, is driven by ambition, while General Gaius Livius remains…

In a Druidic forest, shepherds Céladon and Astrée share a devoted love. Deceived by another, Astrée rejects Céladon, who plunges into a river in despair. Believing him dead, she is unaware that nymphs have secretly saved him. Bound by a…

During a period of political unrest and religious persecution, the film tells the story of two elderly Christians living under Emperor Nero's oppressive rule. To deflect blame for his actions, Nero issues an edict declaring war on Christianity, ordering all…

Around 25 AD in ancient Judea, Judah Ben-Hur is caught between his Jewish identity and the powerful Roman Empire. As tensions escalate, he faces deceit and betrayal while trying to stay true to himself. His friendship with a Roman nobleman…

Encolpio's life falls apart when Gitone leaves him for someone else, leading him to consider suicide. But a devastating earthquake destroys his home, thrusting him into a chaotic and surreal Rome under Emperor Nero. Lost in the city, Encolpio meets…

Cleopatra, the clever Egyptian queen, uses both political maneuvering and charm to gain power. She first wins the favor of Julius Caesar, forming an important partnership with Rome. After Caesar's death, she cleverly aligns herself with the powerful and passionate…

In ancient Rome, a love story develops between Fabiola, the daughter of a senator, and Rhual, a Gallic gladiator. Following the senator's death, Romans wrongly accuse Christians, sparking persecution. Rhual reveals his Christian faith, leading to accusations in the senator's…

Eyvind, a kind blacksmith, protects baby Prince Siegfried after the king murders Siegfried's father. A meteor from the gods reveals Siegfried's destiny and sets him on a great journey. To save his kingdom and win the love of his life,…

The story centers on Barabbas, a thief whose life changes when Pontius Pilate spares him instead of Jesus. Haunted by this choice and questioning his beliefs, Barabbas is forced into gladiatorial combat, where freedom demands a heavy cost. His intense…

This historical drama follows a talented Greek artisan commissioned to create the legendary Cup of Christ. He travels from Greece to Jerusalem and then to Rome to complete the work, intricately sculpting the faces of Jesus and his disciples around…

This film recounts the events preceding Jesus Christ's crucifixion, exploring the narrative through the lens of his identity as a Black man and suggesting his death was fueled by racial prejudice.

Inspired by the 16th-century historical text 'The Malay Annals,' 'The Chronicles of Merong Mahawangsa' is an action epic featuring mythical figures, magical events, and impressive visual effects. Merong Mahawangsa, a descendant of Alexander the Great, was a celebrated naval captain…

Horatius, a Roman nobleman, commands an imperial legion in the protracted and brutal war against the Albans. A final, desperate attempt to resolve the conflict is proposed: three brave men from each side will engage in a decisive, deadly duel.

Following the Second Punic War, Scipio Africanus remains unpopular despite defeating Hannibal. He and his brother, Scipio Asiaticus, are accused by Marcus Porcius Cato of stealing 500 talents of money meant for Rome.

In Britain, 117 A.D., Quintus Dias is the only survivor of a Pictish attack on a Roman fort. He joins General Virilus and the famed Ninth Legion on a mission to eradicate the Picts and eliminate their leader, Gorlacon.

Set 200 years before Christ, Rome reigns as the dominant power of the ancient world, confident in its strength. But one man is about to challenge that dominance. Driven by a vow to avenge his homeland, he relentlessly pursues revenge.…

This is a story about the Second Punic Wars, starting with Scipio's unsuccessful attempts to persuade the Roman Senate to raise an army against Hannibal, and ending with the Battle of Zama.

After Jesus' crucifixion, Roman soldier Marcellus Gallio wins Jesus' robe in a dice game. Marcellus, a cynical hedonist with no spiritual beliefs, is contrasted by his slave Demetrius, a devoted Christian. When Demetrius steals the robe, Marcellus is plagued by…

Constantine accompanies his father in battles against barbarian tribes, but is summoned to Rome. During his journey, he encounters an ambush orchestrated by Maxentius, who aims to seize the imperial throne.

Sebastian, the Roman Army's top archer, becomes a Christian. Highly favored by Emperor Augustus, Sebastian's faith leads him to refuse the Emperor's affections. Enraged, Augustus orders Sebastian's execution by his own archers. This film reimagines the historical event as an…

With the Roman Empire falling apart, the young Emperor Romulus Augustus escapes Rome and journeys to Britain to find a group of loyal soldiers.

Captured by Rome as a prisoner of war, Attalus earns renown in the arena. He rises to become a respected gladiator trainer, gaining the admiration of both men and women. Ultimately, he foils a conspiracy to seize the throne, saving…

In Shakespeare's 'Titus Andronicus,' a respected Roman general returns home from war to endure a series of heartbreaking losses as his children are taken from him. This early tragedy is known for its graphic violence and explores themes of revenge,…

This historical drama follows Caligula, who ruthlessly takes the throne after Emperor Tiberius's death. As he gains control of the Roman Empire, Caligula unleashes a brutal reign marked by violence, excess, and corruption. The film explores the dark side of…

In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, triggering one of history's most devastating natural disasters. The film vividly recreates the horrific day, blending dramatic portrayals of the people's final hours with factual accounts of the eruption.

In the early days of Rome, conflict erupts between the Roman people and the Sabine tribe. The conflict begins when the Romans take Sabine women as brides. This leads to war as the Sabines fight back against Romulus and the…

Sophia Loren portrays two women: a glamorous Queen of the Nile known for her many lovers, and a slave girl who impersonates her. The bodyguard assigned to protect the new Queen falls for the slave, believing her to be the…