Revolt of the Praetorians

Revolt of the Praetorians

Year: 1964

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Alfonso Brescia

HistoryDrama

Rome suffers under Emperor Domitian and his Egyptian mistress Artamne. A masked rebel called the Red Wolf challenges the regime; the Wolf is actually Valerius Rufus, a trusted centurion, aided by the court jester Elpidion. Valerius and his allies kidnap Artamne to barter for imprisoned comrades, but she escapes. Exposed, Valerius and his fiancée Lucilla are sentenced to molten lead, only to be rescued by their friends who launch a final uprising to free Rome.

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Timeline & Setting – Revolt of the Praetorians (1964)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Revolt of the Praetorians (1964). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

c. 96 AD

The story is set in the late 1st century CE under Emperor Domitian's tyrannical rule. It mirrors the era's paranoia, political purges, and suppression of dissent within the Roman Empire. The backdrop amplifies the stakes of rebellion and palace intrigue, as power struggles unfold behind gilded doors.

Location

Imperial Palace (Rome), Lucillius' country estate, palace gardens, dungeons

The action unfolds primarily inside the opulent Imperial Palace of Rome, revealing how power is exercised through fear. The palace gardens and private chambers become stages for secret plotting and masked confrontations, while the dungeons echo with the threat of execution. A country estate belonging to Lucillius provides a rural refuge for the rebels away from the capital.

🏛️ Imperial Rome 🏰 Imperial Palace 🗺️ Country estate 🚪 Dungeons

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:37

Main Characters – Revolt of the Praetorians (1964)

Meet the key characters of Revolt of the Praetorians (1964), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Valerius Rufus (Richard Harrison)

A loyal but resentful Praetorian who fights Domitian’s tyranny in a masked identity as the Red Wolf. He is brave, calculating, and deeply committed to protecting his allies, often risking his life to safeguard the rebellion. His leadership inspires others to resist and organize against oppression.

🗡️ Hero 🎭 Masked identity 🛡️ Leader

Artamne (Moira Orfei)

Emperor Domitian's lover and a scheming Isis priestess who uses her influence to manipulate those around her. She enjoys power and is willing to negotiate with danger to preserve her position. Her duplicity drives crucial twists in the rebellion’s plans.

🪄 Power player 🧭 Manipulation 👁️ Influencer

Elpidion (Salvatore Furnari)

A dwarf jester with unexpected insight and courage. He secretly hates Domitian and becomes a vital ally to Valerius, providing information and bold moves from the shadows. His humor belies a sharp strategic mind.

🎭 Trickster 🗺️ Informant 🧩 Ally

Soterus (Aldo Cecconi)

Gladiator bodyguard and a loyal member of the Imperial guard who joins the rebellion. His strength and combat prowess help shield the rebels during dangerous missions. He embodies the tension between duty and conscience.

💪 Warrior 🛡️ Protector 🗡️ Ally

Seiano (Sejanus) (Mirko Ellis)

A trusted subordinate in the Praetorian ranks who becomes a pivotal insider for the revolt. He offers strategic information and helps coordinate the escape of the rebels. His decision to ally with Valerius marks a turning point in the resistance.

🤝 Loyalist turned ally 🗝️ Insider 🧭 Strategist

Cocceio Nerva (Giuliano Gemma)

A young patrician ally to Valerius, whose status and resources provide political support for the rebellion. He helps mobilize sympathetic factions and sustains the resistance within the elite circles. His practical approach complements Valerius's bold leadership.

🏛️ Patrician ally 🧭 Political support 🤝 Collaboration

Domiziano (Piero Lulli)

The tyrant Domitian, ruler of Rome, whose paranoia fuels the conflict. His pursuit of control leads to brutal executions and a relentless crackdown on dissent. His presence looms over every action taken by the rebels.

👑 Ruler 🗡️ Tyrant 🪖 Antagonist

Fabio Lucilio (Fedele Gentile)

A member of the patrician Lucillius family who becomes involved with the rebels. He provides crucial social capital and a safe haven in his country estate. His family ties offer legitimacy to the insurgent cause.

🏛️ Patrician ally 🏡 Supporter 🧭 Connector

Lucilla

Daughter of a patrician family, and a love interest of Valerius. She participates in the escape plan and embodies the resistance's resilience in the face of oppression. Her character highlights the personal stakes of political rebellion.

💞 Love interest 🏹 Resilience 🧭 Key ally

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:37

Major Themes – Revolt of the Praetorians (1964)

Explore the central themes of Revolt of the Praetorians (1964), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Tyranny

Domitian's paranoid regime creates an atmosphere of fear that stifles dissent. The rebels must operate in secrecy, risking grave consequences for every act of defiance. The palace becomes a battlefield where loyalty is constantly tested and courage must be proven.

🎭 Masks & Identity

The Red Wolf uses a wolfpelt mask to hide his face and true intentions, while Artamne orchestrates appearances to manipulate others. Disguise and misdirection permeate the rebels' operations and romantic entanglements alike. Identity is treated as both weapon and shield throughout the struggle.

🤝 Loyalty & Alliance

Patrician families, loyal guards, and clandestine artists form uneasy alliances against tyranny. Trust is fragile, and betrayals threaten the fledgling rebellion. The bonds between Valerius, Sejanus, and their allies drive the momentum toward a decisive overthrow.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:37

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Revolt of the Praetorians Timeline

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