Agora

Agora

Year: 2010

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Alejandro Amenábar

Budget: $70M

AdventureDramaHistoryRomance

In ancient Alexandria, Hypatia, a brilliant philosopher, establishes herself as a teacher, daring to educate men regardless of their social standing. Among her students are the enslaved Davus and Orestes, who develop affections for her. As religious and political tensions rise between Christians, Jews, and the Roman ruling class, Hypatia's pursuit of knowledge and rational thought becomes increasingly dangerous. Caught between warring factions and facing personal challenges, she strives to uphold her beliefs and defend the importance of reason in a city consumed by conflict.

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Timeline – Agora (2010)

Trace every key event in Agora (2010) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Social Unrest Begins

Social unrest erupts in Alexandria as tensions rise between Pagans and Christians. This conflict is sparked by the Christians defiling the statues of Pagan gods, leading to retaliation from the Pagan community.

Alexandria
2

Pagan Ambush

In response to the growing Christian influence, Orestes and Hypatia's father lead a surprise ambush against the Christians. Though they initially appear strong, the Pagans soon find themselves overpowered by a large Christian mob.

Alexandria
3

Hypatia's Father Injured

During the ambush, Hypatia's father suffers grave injuries. In the chaos, Hypatia and the remaining Pagans take refuge in the Library of the Serapeum to protect themselves and their heritage.

Library of the Serapeum
4

Siege of the Library

The Library of the Serapeum comes under siege from the Christian mob. An envoy from the Roman Emperor announces a pardon for the Pagans but grants Christians access to the library, allowing them to wreak havoc on its treasured contents.

Library of the Serapeum
5

Flight from Destruction

As the Christians invade the library, Hypatia and the surviving Pagans rush to save important scrolls. They attempt to flee the library to preserve their knowledge before the Christians can destroy it.

Library of the Serapeum
6

Davus Joins Christians

Davus, a former slave, makes a significant decision to join the Christian forces. His loyalty is put to the test as he confronts Hypatia, but ultimately he offers her his sword, showcasing his internal conflict.

7

Hypatia Grants Freedom

In a poignant moment of compassion, Hypatia removes Davus's slave collar and tells him he is free. This act symbolizes her belief in freedom and individual choice amidst the turmoil around them.

8

Orestes Converts to Christianity

Years later, Orestes has converted to Christianity and is now the prefect of Alexandria. Despite his new beliefs, Hypatia remains dedicated to her scientific pursuits, investigating the cosmos.

Alexandria
9

Hypatia's Research

Hypatia continues her studies on celestial motions, investigating the theories of the heavens, including the spherical nature of the Earth. Despite ridicule from some Christians, she remains undeterred in her scientific inquiries.

10

Religious Conflicts Escalate

The situation deteriorates as violence erupts between Christians and Jews. The tensions evolve into open conflict, which poses further danger to Hypatia and her work.

Alexandria
11

Cyril's Influence Grows

Cyril, the leader of the Christians, perceives Hypatia as a threat due to her influence over Orestes. He orchestrates a public event aimed at forcing Orestes to submit to his authority and diminish Hypatia's status.

Alexandria
12

Synesius's Attempt to Help

Hypatia's former pupil, Synesius, now the Bishop of Cyrene, arrives to offer her support. However, his assistance comes with the stipulation that she must embrace Christianity, which Hypatia firmly refuses.

13

Hipatia's Discovery

During her research, Hypatia theorizes that the Earth orbits the Sun in an elliptical pattern. This groundbreaking realization contrasts sharply with the prevailing religious dogma of her time.

14

Mob's Decision for Violence

Convinced by Cyril to act against Hypatia, a mob of Christians gathers with intentions of stoning her. Their animosity escalates, leading to a dire situation for Hypatia.

Alexandria
15

Davus's Final Act

In a tragic turn, Davus decides to suffocate Hypatia to spare her from a painful death by stoning. His actions reveal the depth of his internal conflict and tragic love for her, as he leaves the scene to prevent further suffering.

Alexandria

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows an intellectual or philosophical protagonist whose commitment to reason and evidence places them in direct opposition to a growing, often populist, ideological force. The story methodically escalates from initial skepticism and debate to active persecution, siege, and eventual martyrdom, portraying a civilization's tragic turn away from enlightenment.

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Movies in this thread share a core conflict between rational inquiry and blind faith, a dark and oppressive tone, and a high-intensity atmosphere of social unrest. They are united by the tragic archetype of the intellectual martyr and the bleak theme of knowledge being lost to zealotry.

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Sweeping dramas where political and religious tensions tear an advanced society apart from within.If you liked the tense depiction of ancient Alexandria's fall in Agora, explore these movies about civilizations in crisis. Find similar historical epics with high intensity, steady pacing, and a dark tone, focusing on the collapse of sophisticated societies through war, fanaticism, and internal conflict.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives unfold across a broad canvas, interweaving the fates of multiple characters—rulers, philosophers, common people—with the macro-level events leading to societal breakdown. The plot steadily escalates political and religious tensions, building towards explosive confrontations, sieges, and the ultimate downfall of a once-great urban center, emphasizing the human cost of historical upheaval.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared setting of a crumbling advanced civilization, a high-intensity and tense mood driven by mob violence and siege warfare, and a dark, somber tone that explores themes of intolerance and the loss of cultural achievements.

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Agora Summary

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Agora Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Agora

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Agora

Agora Spoiler-Free Summary

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