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Drama Cult Classic

A Roman consul risks everything to defy Nero’s persecution of Christians.

FIRE OVER ROME

1965 · 1h 20m · NR · Drama · IMDB TMDB

a Roman military leader who is stripped of his rank and arrested for defending Christians who are being tortured and persecuted by the maniacal Nero and his thugs.

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Quick Answer

What is Fire Over Rome about?

Fire Over Rome is a 1965 Italian-Yugoslavian drama film directed by Guido Malatesta about a Roman consul who is stripped of his rank and hunted after refusing to help Emperor Nero persecute Christians.

Programmer's Pick

Roman sand and sword epics don’t always put principle front and center, but Fire Over Rome does. If you like your ancient heroes standing up to emperors with a moral backbone (and a sword), Marcus Valerius delivers.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Consul Marcus Valerius, fresh from a victorious campaign in Gaul, returns to Rome expecting honor and celebration. Instead, he finds a city ruled by Emperor Nero, whose priorities have shifted from military glory to rooting out the city’s Christian population. Ordered to assist the ruthless Praetorian Guards in this persecution, Marcus stands by his principles and refuses, resigning his post in protest. His defiance marks him as an enemy of the state, leading to his arrest and the dissolution of his legion. This Roman drama unfolds amid the political intrigues and moral dilemmas of ancient Rome, focusing on courage, loyalty, and standing up against tyranny.

Details & Specs

Director
Guido Malatesta
Writers
Giorgio Marzelli, Guido Malatesta
Release
1965
Runtime
1h 20m
Country
Italy, Yugoslavia
Language
Italian
Genres
Drama
Also Known As
Original title: L'incendio di Roma

Cast & Crew

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Director: Guido Malatesta Writers: Giorgio Marzelli +1 more
Lang Jeffries Lang Jeffries Marcus Valerius Cristina Gaïoni Cristina Gaïoni Giulia Moira Orfei Moira Orfei Poppaea Mario Feliciani Mario Feliciani Seneca Luciano Marin Luciano Marin Fulvius Evi Maltagliati Evi Maltagliati Livia Augusta, Marcus's Mother Franco Fantasia Franco Fantasia Clodius Massimo Carocci Massimo Carocci Young Christian VM Vladimir Medar Nero VB Vladimir Bačić AT Anita Todesco DM Domenico Maggio Franco Daddi Franco Daddi Riccardo Pizzuti Riccardo Pizzuti DB Demeter Bitenc

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Why Cult

Roman Heroics

Consul Marcus Valerius faces down Nero’s tyranny, choosing conscience over blind loyalty.

Historical Persecution

The film explores the brutal crackdown on early Christians under Nero’s reign.

Sword and Sandal Drama

Classic peplum spectacle meets moral dilemma in ancient Rome’s shadowy corridors.

Villainous Emperor Nero

Vladimir Medar’s Nero is a callous antagonist whose whims threaten the innocent.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was Fire Over Rome released? +

Fire Over Rome was released in 1965.

Who directed Fire Over Rome? +

Fire Over Rome was directed by Guido Malatesta.

How long is Fire Over Rome? +

Fire Over Rome has a runtime of 80 minutes.

What genre is Fire Over Rome? +

Fire Over Rome is a drama.

Trailers & Clips

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