10 Historical Films About Wars with Rome

Description: Although primarily a tale of personal vengeance, the film includes significant Roman military engagements, particularly during the famous chariot race and the naval battle scenes.

Fact: The chariot race scene took three months to film and involved 15,000 extras. It was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time.

Description: This classic film recounts the story of Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator who leads a slave revolt against the Roman Republic, showcasing the brutality and grandeur of Rome's internal conflicts.

Fact: The film was one of the first to credit blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, helping to end the Hollywood blacklist era. It also features a famous "I am Spartacus" scene, where all the slaves claim to be Spartacus to protect him.

Description: This epic film chronicles the decline of Rome from the death of Marcus Aurelius to the sack of Rome by the Visigoths, focusing on the political and military turmoil.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a sequel to "Ben-Hur" but evolved into its own epic narrative. It was one of the last great Hollywood epics of its kind.

Description: While not exclusively about wars with Rome, this epic features the decline of Rome's military might and the rise of a gladiator who seeks vengeance against the corrupt emperor.

Fact: Russell Crowe reportedly gained 40 pounds of muscle for his role as Maximus. The film's iconic "Are you not entertained?" scene was improvised by Crowe.

Description: This version of the Arthurian legend presents Arthur as a Roman officer leading Sarmatian knights against the Saxons, offering a historical twist on the classic tale.

Fact: The film was shot in Ireland, with the Wicklow Mountains standing in for the rugged landscapes of Britain.

Description: Set in the waning days of the Western Roman Empire, this film follows a young boy, the last heir to the throne, and his protectors as they flee to Britain to escape barbarian invaders.

Fact: The film features a young Colin Firth in a supporting role, long before his Oscar-winning performance in "The King's Speech."

Description: This film follows the Ninth Legion, a Roman unit that mysteriously disappeared in the Scottish Highlands. It's a gritty, action-packed tale of survival and revenge against the backdrop of Rome's northern frontier.

Fact: The film was shot in Scotland, providing an authentic backdrop to the story. It also features a cameo by Liam Cunningham, who would later become famous for his role in "Game of Thrones."

Description: Based on the novel "The Eagle of the Ninth," this film explores the quest of a young Roman officer to recover the lost eagle standard of the Ninth Legion, believed to have been lost in Britain.

Fact: The film was shot in Hungary, standing in for Roman Britain. It also features a young Jamie Bell, known for his role in "Billy Elliot."

Description: While not directly about wars with Rome, this film captures the Roman world's might and its vulnerability, set against the backdrop of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Fact: The film was shot in Toronto, with sets built to replicate ancient Pompeii. It also features a CGI recreation of the volcanic eruption.

Description: This British television series, based on the same novel as "The Eagle," follows a Roman officer's quest to recover the lost eagle standard of the Ninth Legion in Britain.

Fact: The series was one of the earliest adaptations of the novel, providing a more intimate look at the historical setting compared to the later film.