Romance in the Ruins: 10 Melodramas About Archaeological Excavations

Description: An adventurer seeks a legendary treasure in Peru, with a romantic subplot involving a local woman, set against the backdrop of Incan ruins.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Peru, including at Machu Picchu. It's often noted for its influence on the Indiana Jones series.

Description: A romance novelist finds herself in a real-life adventure in Colombia, where she teams up with a rugged adventurer to find a treasure, blending romance with archaeology.

Fact: The film was a major box office success, leading to a sequel. The treasure map in the movie was inspired by real historical maps.

Description: While primarily an action-adventure, this film includes a strong romantic subplot between Indiana Jones and Dr. Elsa Schneider, set against the backdrop of a quest for the Holy Grail, involving archaeological digs and historical intrigue.

Fact: Sean Connery, who plays Indiana Jones's father, was only 12 years older than Harrison Ford in real life. The film's climax was shot at Petra in Jordan, a real archaeological site.

Description: This epic drama intertwines the love story of a Hungarian count and a married woman with the backdrop of World War II and archaeological expeditions in the Sahara Desert.

Fact: The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The desert scenes were filmed in Tunisia, where the crew faced extreme heat and sandstorms.

Description: While more of a horror-thriller, this film involves an archaeologist and a biologist who fall for each other while investigating a mysterious creature at a museum.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The creature was designed by Stan Winston, famous for his work on "Jurassic Park."

Description: This action-adventure film follows an American adventurer who accidentally awakens an ancient mummy, leading to a whirlwind of romance and danger. The archaeological setting provides a rich backdrop for the love story between the characters.

Fact: The film was inspired by the 1932 film of the same name, but it takes a more adventurous and romantic approach. The set for the city of Hamunaptra was built in the Moroccan desert, creating an authentic atmosphere.

Description: Although primarily an action film, it includes elements of archaeology and a romantic subplot between the titular character and a sorceress.

Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his film debut in this movie, which was a spin-off from "The Mummy Returns." The film's setting was inspired by ancient Mesopotamia.

Description: An adventure film where a treasure hunter and a doctor team up to find a lost Confederate ship in the desert, with elements of archaeology and a budding romance.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Clive Cussler, who was not pleased with the adaptation. The desert scenes were shot in Morocco.

Description: Based on true events, this film tells the story of the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo, where a widow hires an amateur archaeologist, leading to an unexpected friendship and romance.

Fact: The film was shot on location at Sutton Hoo, the actual site of the excavation. The real-life characters were portrayed with a focus on their personal lives and relationships.

Description: A sequel to "Romancing the Stone," where the protagonists continue their adventures in search of an ancient city, with romance playing a key role.

Fact: The film was shot in Mexico, with some scenes filmed at the ancient city of Teotihuacan.