Ancient Mediterranean World in Cinema

Catalog description

Survey of contemporary (1950-present) films set in the ancient Mediterranean world or referencing the ancient world throughout. Topics include the development over time of a self-referential "ancient epic" genre, in Hollywood and beyond; the impact of technological change on the making of ancient epic films; the use of films about the ancient world to comment on social and political issues at the time the film was made; and the striking of an appropriate balance between "fidelity" to historical or literary sources and the creative vision of contemporary producers, directors, screenwriters and actors.