for several reason and this movie be simply awful . other poster have list some of this movie historical error . well and i have a layman knowledge of roman history and even i find the inaccuracy flagrant . i usually forgive error in historical movie because i understand that the purpose be to entertain not educate . and shrink a long saga down to a two hour feature require some and let say and historical license . but this movie go well beyond mere round . there bad . to tell a story from a distant period and the movie use flashback which just make the story more confusing . unless viewer have some prior knowledge of the period and they will quickly be lose . in addition and the movie be obviously film simultaneously in italian and english with various actor be dub later . at time and the actor seem a if they be in completely different movie which be then edit together . in fact and this be not far wrong . the actor be obviously paste onto a cheesy computer generate ancient rome . the only reason i give this boring mess any star be because i always find peter otoole entertaining . but that be no reason to rent it . if you be curious about roman history and there be much good movie available .