Visionary Picks Drawn from the Same DNA as Ivan the Terrible: Cult Guide

Dir: Enrico Guazzoni

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Quo Vadis? perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

The growing ambition of Julius Caesar is a source of major concern to his close friend Brutus. Cassius persuades him to participate in his plot to assassinate Caesar but they have both sorely underestimated Mark Antony.

Dir: Enrico Guazzoni

Roman commander Vinicius becomes infatuated with Christian hostage Lygia and meets apostle Peter. Witnessing their plight in decadent Rome he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Fabiola perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Enrico Guazzoni

In Rome 302AD, during the Diocletian persecutions, a slave called Miriam converts her haughty mistress, Fabiola, to Christianity. Together they witness incredible acts of faith by those about to be martyred.

Dir: Enrico Guazzoni

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Messalina perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Spectacle in the expected silent Italian style with elaborate sets, athletic events, and a notorious Roman empress lusting after a Persian slave who drives chariots.

Dir: Enrico Guazzoni

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of For Napoleon and France perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Enrico Guazzoni

After the murder of her lover Julius Caesar, Egypt's queen Cleopatra needs a new ally. She seduces his probable successor Mark Antony. This develops into real love and slowly leads to a war with the other possible successor, Octavius.