Roman Empire

The final phase of the Roman Republic, marked by elite competition, political violence, civil wars, and the concentration of power in the hands of military leaders.

Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, burying Pompeii and nearby settlements under volcanic material and causing widespread destruction in the Bay of Naples region.

Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of Roman senators in the Theatre of Pompey on 15 March 44 BCE.

Civil war between the forces of Julius Caesar and Pompey from 49 to 45 BCE, followed by Caesar’s dictatorship.

The Roman execution of Jesus of Nazareth in Jerusalem during the prefecture of Pontius Pilate.

A major fire devastated much of Rome in July 64 CE. Tacitus reports that Nero blamed Christians and subjected many to brutal punishments, making the event central to the historical memory of the Neronian persecution.

The Serapeum, a major temple of Serapis and an important pagan institution in Alexandria, was destroyed or dismantled during religious conflict in the late fourth century, after imperial measures restricting pagan cults.

The civil war following Caesar’s assassination, culminating in the defeat of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in 42 BCE.

Roman prefect of Judea who presided over the authority responsible for Jesus’s crucifixion.

premier empereur romain de 27 av. J.–C. à 14

Roman Emperor (r. 180–192 CE).

Jewish preacher whose ministry and crucifixion form the narrative center of the film.

Roman Emperor (r. 161–180 CE).

Roman emperor from 54 to 68 CE whose reign forms the political setting for the story and whose government persecuted Christians in Rome after the Great Fire.

Disciple of Jesus whose betrayal and political relationship with him are central to the film’s interpretation.

triumvir, homme d'État romain

The volcano whose 79 CE eruption devastated Pompeii, Herculaneum, and surrounding villas.

Pompeii was a Roman city in Campania near the Bay of Naples, destroyed and buried during the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Capital of the Roman Empire.

ville portuaire sur la côte méditerranéenne de l'Égypte

The major political and religious center of Judea and the setting for much of the film’s story.

Galilean village traditionally associated with Jesus’s upbringing and early life.