Director Anthony Mann's Academy Award-nominated, epic drama brings to life the glory, grandeur and greed of the crumbling Roman civilization amid a love story for the ages. Faithful Roman soldier Livius (Stephen Boyd) follows the principles of aging Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Alec Guinness), hoping to create a peaceful republic. But Livius' dreams and plans appear to be dashed when the corrupt Commodus (Christopher Plummer) ascends the throne.