The ancient world has been a constant subject of fascination for societies for centuries. But
why are we so obsessed with civilisations like the Ancient Greeks and Romans compared to
other periods of history? And why are they a constant source of influence for modern media?
The ancient world is a place that feels as familiar as it does alien, with so much of modern
society drawing inspiration from it, such as our political systems, the way we tell stories, and
even our cultural ideals. Popular media draws on these same influences, using them to
express modern messages and reflect contemporary issues through historically inspired
stories.
Films set in the ancient world have existed since the foundation of cinema, emphasising both
the grandeur and barbarity of the time while allowing for social commentary. Classics like
Ben-Hur and Spartacus used themes of rebellion and heroism to capture an audience’s
attention, while modern films such as Gladiator redefined the genre for a new generation.
However, after the colossal failure of big-budget blockbusters in 2014 like Pompeii, it
seemed as though the ancient world had all but disappeared from the big screen, with little
hope of studios investing in future projects. Yet, following the much-anticipated release of
Gladiator II and the announcement of Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey, the
Ancient World appears to be making a return to the silver screen once again.
So why now? The resurgence of ancient world films often aligns with contemporary political
and social climates. The early 2000s saw a revival of the genre with films like Troy, and
Alexander, used by filmmakers to cast social commentary on the division between the East
and the West due to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This divide is deeply embedded in
ancient civilisations, emphasising how we use modern parallels to reinforce how history can
be used to reflect present-day issues. During a period of growing uncertainty marked by
global warming, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the re-election of Trump the resurgence of
films set in the ancient world is hardly surprising. I expect Nolan’s Odyssey will highlight the
ongoing struggle between humanity and nature, reflecting our modern anxieties through a
historical lens.
After considering all this, however, you might argue that this does not warrant the word
obsession. However, as we look deeper into film it seems the ancient world persists in
unexpected places. It’s not simply the obvious films featuring Roman gladiators or Greek
heroism which draw inspiration from the ancient world, we see its influence in everything,
from science fiction, to fantasy, and even dystopian narratives.
The new Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes film is a great example of how futuristic
blockbusters have been deeply influenced by ancient history. The names Proximus and
Caesar give a clear nod to Roman antiquity, with the events of the film reflecting the themes
of empire-building, conquest, and the fall of civilisation. Similarly, Dune draws heavily from
the structures of ancient empires, incorporating themes of messianic prophecy, tyranny, and
spectacle-driven warfare. These film’s depictions of power-hungry rulers, violent combat
arenas, and populations subjugated under imperial rule mirrors the dynamics of Ancient
Rome, demonstrating how ancient narratives have influenced our understanding of
leadership. It is clear from this that these allusions are not accidental, with the ancient
world’s influence being so pervasive in western civilisation that we often fail to recognise its
presence, emphasising how out obsession with the ancient world in popular media has
become a part of the subconscious.
The ancient world remains a fixture of popular media because it offers a unique blend of
grandeur, familiarity, and mystery. Whether through historical epics or sci-fi allegories, these
ancient narratives continue to provide a lens through which we explore modern-day issues.
Our fascination with the ancient world then seems almost cyclical, reviving itself whenever
society finds parallels between past and present. The resurgence of these stories often
aligns with moments of political upheaval, war, and social change. Just as Hollywood used
the sword-and-sandal epics of the early 2000s to reflect on contemporary conflicts, today’s
retellings speak to modern anxieties surrounding power, imperialism, social injustice, and
climate change.