From Gladiator to Ben Hur, Top Roman Historian Rates Famous Movie Scenes (Video)
Recently Dr. Simon Elliott, a highly respected Roman historian, archaeologist, and broadcaster was asked to share his thoughts on several famous films set during the ancient period. Starting with the acclaimed film "Gladiator," Dr. Elliott commended its attention to detail in terms of the historical setting, particularly praising the portrayal of Maximus as a real general and the accurate depiction of Roman armor. Moving on to "Pompeii," Dr. Elliott acknowledged the film's overall lackluster quality but pointed out its commendable aspects. He highlighted the excellent recreation of the town of Pompeii and the portrayal of the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Despite its flaws, these elements showcased historical accuracy.
When discussing "Ben Hur," Dr. Elliott applauded the film's accurate representation of Roman societal structure. He specifically noted the realistic depiction of the hippodrome and the intense chariot race scene. However, he criticized the portrayal of slave rowers, as historical evidence suggests that professional rowers, not slaves, operated warships. Lastly, Dr. Elliott touched upon "The Eagle," emphasizing its faithfulness to the book it was based on. He commended the film for its portrayal of the lost Ninth Legion and granted it a high rating. Overall, not a bad result for these popular films.
Top image: Roman historian Dr Simon Elliott critiques Roman Movies (YouTube Screenshot / History Hit)
