Blockbusters and the ancient world: allegory and warfare in contemporary Hollywood

Following the release of Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator' in 2000 the ancient world epic has experienced a revival in studio and audience interest.

Building on existing scholarship on the Cold War epics of the 1950s-60s, including 'Ben-Hur', 'Spartacus', and 'The Robe', this original study explores the current cycle of ancient world epics in cinema within the social and political climate created by September 11th, 2001.