Best Ancient History Movies

Description: A tale of revenge, forgiveness, and redemption set in the time of Christ, featuring the iconic chariot race.

Fact: The chariot race scene took three months to film, and 15,000 extras were used for the crucifixion scene. It won 11 Academy Awards, a record at the time.

Description: This classic tells the story of Spartacus, the Thracian gladiator who led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic.

Fact: The film was one of the first to credit blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, breaking the Hollywood blacklist. It also features the famous "I am Spartacus" scene.

Description: This epic drama portrays the life of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

Fact: It was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, with a budget of $44 million. Elizabeth Taylor's costumes alone cost over $194,

Description: This historical epic examines the decline of Rome, focusing on the political intrigue and military campaigns that led to its downfall.

Fact: The film was one of the last of the grand historical epics of the 1960s. Its sets were so elaborate that they were later used for other films like "Cleopatra."

Description: This epic tale of revenge and redemption captures the essence of Rome's gladiatorial games, showcasing the life of a betrayed general turned gladiator.

Fact: Russell Crowe reportedly did many of his own stunts, including the famous tiger scene. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Based on the Iliad, this film brings to life the legendary Trojan War, focusing on the conflict between Achilles and Hector.

Fact: Brad Pitt trained for six months to get into shape for his role as Achilles. The film was shot in Malta and Mexico to replicate the ancient Greek and Trojan landscapes.

Description: Chronicles the life of Alexander the Great, from his tutelage under Aristotle to his conquests across Asia.

Fact: The film was shot in multiple locations including Morocco, Thailand, and England to represent the vast empire of Alexander. It features a diverse cast from around the world.

Description: A stylized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans fight against the massive Persian army.

Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on a green screen, with the backgrounds added in post-production. Gerard Butler underwent intense physical training for his role.

Description: Set in Roman Britain, it follows a young Roman officer's quest to recover the lost standard of his father's legion.

Fact: The film was shot in Scotland, which provided a natural backdrop for the Roman frontier. It's based on the novel "The Eagle of the Ninth" by Rosemary Sutcliff.

Description: Focuses on the life of Hypatia, a philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician in late 4th-century Alexandria, Egypt.

Fact: The film was shot in Malta, with sets designed to replicate ancient Alexandria. It was Spain's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.