The Fall of Rome (1963)
“The Fall of Rome” is a 1963 Italian film that pertains to the treatment of Christianity in Rome. It features Christian tribune Marcus, who is captured after Roman soldiers begin to kill Christians. One Christian boy, Julius, sees Roman soldiers stab his father right in front of him. The Romans force Marcus to fight as a gladiator, but before the fighting starts, he escapes into the forest with some of his men. There, he fends off Roman soldiers and forms an alliance with the Barbarians that live in the mountains. After some time, the Romans convince him to return to Rome, promising that if he wins a fight as a gladiator, imprisoned Christians will be freed. He returns and wins, freeing his Christian brothers. Marcus then agrees to fight against the Barbarians alongside Roman senator Gaius. The Romans lose to the Barbarians in a hard-fought battle, and consul Junius blames the defeat on Marcus and the Christians that assisted Rome. Upon returning to Rome, Romans seize Marcus and the other Christian soldiers, imprisoning them and sentencing them to death. Suddenly, an earthquake occurs, freeing the Christians and killing many others. Julius’ mother dies in the earthquake, and Marcus and his significant other Svetla agree to parent him.
The Roman treatment of Christians in this movie resembles the Passion of Perpetua. When the Romans captured the Christians in the movie, the Christians willingly sacrificed themselves in the name of God. Similarly, Perpetua chooses to engage in gladitorial fighting and give up her life rather than to renounce her Christian faith.
The idea of being a “latro” also presents itself in this film. In the forest, when the Christians meet the barbarians, Marcus introduces his people, saying that “we are not a band of brigands.” As we have learned, “brigand” is one of the many related translations of “latro.” Marcus delivers this message to say that his people are not outsiders, but a people that are willing to coexist with the barbarians.
The film portrays the Roman perception of Christians as naive and ignorant. At various points, other characters argue to Marcus that there is no afterlife, no God, and no reason to sacrifice oneself, and no reason to forgo violence. However, Marcus holds tightly onto his faith, and he manages to make it out alive in a happier-ever-after ending for the Christians.
