Hollywood’s obsession with ancient Rome has spanned many decades and provided some epic adventures and dramas which have become classics of cinema. From the ultra-expensive Ben–Hur in 1925 and C.B. deMille’s works to Hollywood’s latest release The Eagle, it seems audience appetites haven’t wavered even if producers baulked at staging such mega productions.

Whether its tales of gladiators, slave uprisings or mental emperors, ancient Rome captivates audiences provided some iconic moments in film.

The Eagle is the latest instalment in the Roman adventure genre to hit our screens this week and with it, offers up a more gritty portrayal of Roman life, with director Kevin Macdonald exploring the myth of the lost Ninth legion. To mark its release we run down five Roman epic adventures. There will be blood, sex, togas and sandals.