The Fall of the Roman Empire

"Never before a spectacle like the fall of the Roman empire"

Mar 26 1964 Approved 3h 8m
Drama, History, War

In the year 180 A.D. Germanic tribes are about to invade the Roman empire from the north. In the midst of this crisis ailing emperor Marcus Aurelius has to make a decision about his successor between his son Commodus, who is obsessed by power, and the loyal general Gaius Livius.

Plot

Intent on securing peace and prosperity throughout the mighty Roman Empire, the wise diplomat, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, calls together the local governors from all over the Empire, after conquering the Germanic tribes. With this in mind, Marcus has decided to turn over his crown and the much-coveted imperial throne to General Livius, instead of choosing his corrupt son and logical successor, Commodus. As a result, high treason and blind ambition lead to the death of Aurelius by poisoning, paving the way for a new era of oppression, endless machinations, and rapid decline. Now, as darkness prevails on the outskirts of the Empire where the Roman legions struggle to subdue the invading hordes, delusional Commodus declares himself a god, and no one is safe; not even Aurelius' daughter, Lucilla. Can anyone stop the fall of the Roman Empire?

Written by

Ben Barzman, Basilio Franchina, Philip Yordan

Directed by

Anthony Mann

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Paramount, Samuel Bronston Productions

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 1 win & 2 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
11,178
Average Rating
6.7 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA