Intrigue

Roman commander Vinicius becomes infatuated with Christian hostage Lygia and meets apostle Peter. Witnessing their plight in decadent Rome he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.

Marcus Vinicius (Amleto Novelli), a Roman military officer returning from Armenia, arrives at the estate of his friend Petronius (Gustavo Serena), a prominent Roman noble. Vinicius tells Petronius of Lygia (Lea Giunchi), a young woman he has fallen in love with. Lygia is the foster daughter of Aulus Plautius (Ignazio Lupi) and Petronius and promises to Vinicius to speak with Nero about Vinicius's love for Lygia.

Petronius and Vinicius first go to the home of Aulus and his wife Pomponia Graecina, the foster parents of Lygia and visit with them. Petronius is given audience with the Emperor Nero (Carlo Cattaneo) and gets him to entrust Lygia to Vinicius.

Nero soldiers arrive at Aulus' estate and take Lygia against her will. Lygia's slave Ursus (Bruto Castellani) decodes to go with her for her protection. Aulus attempts to gain audience with Nero but is denied.

Vinicius is on edge waiting for Lygia's arrival and begins to accuse Petronius of taking her for himself. Petronius informs Vinicius of Lygia's arrest and that she will be given to Vinicius tomorrow. Vinicius writes to Aulus informing them that his guardianship over Lygia is the will of Nero and they all must accept it.

Lygia is brought to a large banquet being by Nero and Vinicius reunites with her. The banquet turns into a drunken, raucous orgy. Vinicius attempts to force himself on Lygia, but she is rescued by Ursus and taken away. Ursus brings Lygia to Acte, one of Nero's mistresses and slaves. Acte warns them not to evoke the wrath of Nero.

Acte brings Lygia to Poppaea (Olga Brandini), the wife of Nero, and pleads her to bring Lygia back to her family but Poppaea refuses. Lygia is ordered back to Vinicius and is distraught.

Vinicius and Petronius wait for Lygia's arrival. However, during the journey to Petronius' Ursus leads an ambush on the carriage and rescue Lygia. Irate at the failure of his slaves to bring him Lygia, he has them whipped. Petronius offers his slave, Eunice (Amelia Cattaneo), to Vinicius as a consolation though Vinicius refuses. Eunice, who is in love with Petronius, beseeches Petronius to let her stay. He punishes her with whipping but begins to grow fond of her.

Vinicius hires Chilo (Augusto Mastripietri), a private investigator, to find Lygia. Remembering that she drew a fish in the sand, Vinicius believes that Lygia might be a Christian. Meanwhile, Nero blames Lygia for his daughter's death.

Chilo begins to investigate Lygia's Christian background to find her and manipulates Ursus into revealing the meeting location, Ostrianum, by accusing Glaucus, a Christian leader, of betraying them. Chilo reports his findings to Vinicius and requests the assistance of the gladiator Croto.

Vinicius, Chilo, and Croto go to Ostrianum during a prayer service and hear St. Peter's preaching, which has a profound impact on Vinicius. After the service the three follow Peter, Lygia, and Ursus. Vinicius makes his move and attempts to kidnap Lygia, sending Croto attack Ursus while he captures Lygia from the house.

Lygia escapes from Vinicius clutches and flees outside where Ursus has just killed Croto. He goes to kill Vinicius but is stopped by Lygia, though Vinicius is knocked unconscious. Vinicius is taken inside the house and asks for Ursus to find and bring Chilo to him. Vinicius vouches for Ursus, claiming he was attacked by Croto and Ursus rescued him killing Croto in self-defense.

Glaucus, who is witnessing this, recognizes Chilo as the man who destroyed his family previously but stops Ursus from acting violently, forgiving Chilo in the name of Christ. Chilo is brought outside by Ursus and sent away.

Vinicius is nursed back to health by Lygia and continues to profess his love for her though she continues to reject him. However, Lygia confesses that she does love Vinicius to Crispus, another Christian leader. Crispus scolds her as Vinicius is a member of the nobility that is persecuting him. However, Peter the Apostle (Giovanni Gizzi) walks in on the conversation and tells Lygia her love is not a sin. Scorned by Lygia's rejection, Vinicius returns to the palace. Eunice is now living as one of Petronius' favorites.

While attending another banquet in Agrippa, Vinicius is approached by Poppaea who attempts to seduce him though Vinicius pushes her away.

Petronius pleads with Vinicius to forget Lygia. Chilo arrives and tells Vinicius that he knows Lygia's hiding place and suggests they surround her house and capture her. Vinicius has Chilo taken out and whipped. He tells Chilo to forget they ever knew each other.

Vinicius returns to the Christian hideout and promises is support the Christians and is accepted by Peter. As a show of his faith, Vinicius frees all of his slaves.

Nero holds a large a large rally in Antium and is cheered on by the people. However, in secret he gives the order to Tigellinus (Cesare Moltini) to burn Rome. Tigellinus follows the orders, and the arsonists begin to burn Rome.

Vinicius is brought before Nero and the marriage between Vinicius and Lygia is approved by him, though Poppaea is jealous. Nero is informed that the burning has begun and Vinicius, overhearing, races to the city finding it in chaos. Vinicius searches for Lygia through the chaos, finding the hiding spot empty. Vinicius passes out from smoke inhalation and is brought to safety.

Regaining consciousness, Vinicius finds Chilo and the two search for Lygia. Nero arrives in Rome and seeing the city is inspired to perform his new poetry and songs for the fleeing populace. The people are outraged and begin to shout insults at Nero. Frightened he flees while Petronius attempts to calm the crowd by promising future riches from Nero.

Vinicius and Chilo find the Christians in the catacombs. Peter brings Vinicius and Chilo to the caves of Linus, a quarry-man, where Lygia is hiding. Vinicius is reunited with Lygia and baptized by Peter.

Petronius' words have not calmed the masses, so Nero decides to accuse Tigellinus of burning Rome and sends him away. Poppaea arrives and convinces Nero to accuse the Christians of burning Rome, though Petronius defends the Christians urging Nero to accept the blame. Tigellinus attempts to arrest Petronius, though he is quickly pardoned by Nero.

Chilon arrives and claims that it was the Christians who were responsible, particularly Vinicius, Lygia, and Petronius. The homes of known Christians are raided and Lygia, Ursus, and Glaucus are all arrested. Vinicius arrives after the arrests and leaves for the prison for news accompanied by Petronius. A guard confirms that Lygia is unharmed and being watched over by Ursus.

Vinicius finds Chilo at the head of a procession, recently being promoted for providing Nero an out to bearing responsibility. Chilo invites Vinicius to his house to continue the celebration. Vinicius instead goes to pray.

Petronius is now viewed in disgrace by Nero, Tigellenius, and the other Roman nobles. Vinicius seeks out information of Lygia from other prisoners and discovers she was taken ill and taken away.

Nero hosts a series of games to celebrate the capture of the prisoners that includes chariot races and gladiator fights. Vinicius goes to the Imperial Balcony to tell Petronius that he has still not found Lygia. Meanwhile, the Christian prisoners are rounded and brought into the coliseum to fight wild beasts. The lions are released and slaughter the prisoners.

The lions are cleared, and an angry bull is released with a woman tied to its back. Ursus is then released into the coliseum and after his eyes adjust to the light, he recognizes Lygia tied to the bull. He kills the bull with his bare hands rescuing Lygia and winning the support of the crowd. Vinicius rushes into the center and calls for clemency for Lygia, revealing himself to be a decorated war veteran. The crowd begins to turn on Nero forcing him to grant clemency.

Petronius reveals Eunice that he has been sentenced to death by Nero. He hosts a final feast where both he and Eunice both drink a poison and die in each other's embrace.

Nero continues to execute the Christian prisoners, now burning many of them at the stake. Chilo sees Glaucus as one of those burning and falls to his knees begging for his forgiveness. He reveals that the Christians are innocent, and it was Nero who burned Rome. He is chased from the city but found by the Apostle Paul. Paul comforts Chilo and baptizes him as a Christian. Chilo is then arrested by the Roman authorities and executed.

Peter and Nazarus, another Christian noble, leave Rome. However, they see the spirit of Jesus who tells Peter to return to Rome and guide his people.

Eventually the Roman legions revolt against Nero and he is forced to flee from Rome with a few close supporters. He stabs himself and commits suicide shortly before they are found by a regiment of Roman soldiers.



Marcus Vinicius (Amleto Novelli), a Roman military officer returning from Armenia, arrives at the estate of his friend Petronius (Gustavo Serena), a prominent Roman noble. Vinicius tells Petronius of Lygia (Lea Giunchi), a young woman he has fallen in love with. Lygia is the foster daughter of Aulus Plautius (Ignazio Lupi) and Petronius and promises to Vinicius to speak with Nero about Vinicius's love for Lygia.

Petronius and Vinicius first go to the home of Aulus and his wife Pomponia Graecina, the foster parents of Lygia and visit with them. Petronius is given audience with the Emperor Nero (Carlo Cattaneo) and gets him to entrust Lygia to Vinicius.

Nero soldiers arrive at Aulus' estate and take Lygia against her will. Lygia's slave Ursus (Bruto Castellani) decodes to go with her for her protection. Aulus attempts to gain audience with Nero but is denied.

Vinicius is on edge waiting for Lygia's arrival and begins to accuse Petronius of taking her for himself. Petronius informs Vinicius of Lygia's arrest and that she will be given to Vinicius tomorrow. Vinicius writes to Aulus informing them that his guardianship over Lygia is the will of Nero and they all must accept it.

Lygia is brought to a large banquet being by Nero and Vinicius reunites with her. The banquet turns into a drunken, raucous orgy. Vinicius attempts to force himself on Lygia, but she is rescued by Ursus and taken away. Ursus brings Lygia to Acte, one of Nero's mistresses and slaves. Acte warns them not to evoke the wrath of Nero.

Acte brings Lygia to Poppaea (Olga Brandini), the wife of Nero, and pleads her to bring Lygia back to her family but Poppaea refuses. Lygia is ordered back to Vinicius and is distraught.

Vinicius and Petronius wait for Lygia's arrival. However, during the journey to Petronius' Ursus leads an ambush on the carriage and rescue Lygia. Irate at the failure of his slaves to bring him Lygia, he has them whipped. Petronius offers his slave, Eunice (Amelia Cattaneo), to Vinicius as a consolation though Vinicius refuses. Eunice, who is in love with Petronius, beseeches Petronius to let her stay. He punishes her with whipping but begins to grow fond of her.

Vinicius hires Chilo (Augusto Mastripietri), a private investigator, to find Lygia. Remembering that she drew a fish in the sand, Vinicius believes that Lygia might be a Christian. Meanwhile, Nero blames Lygia for his daughter's death.

Chilo begins to investigate Lygia's Christian background to find her and manipulates Ursus into revealing the meeting location, Ostrianum, by accusing Glaucus, a Christian leader, of betraying them. Chilo reports his findings to Vinicius and requests the assistance of the gladiator Croto.

Vinicius, Chilo, and Croto go to Ostrianum during a prayer service and hear St. Peter's preaching, which has a profound impact on Vinicius. After the service the three follow Peter, Lygia, and Ursus. Vinicius makes his move and attempts to kidnap Lygia, sending Croto attack Ursus while he captures Lygia from the house.

Lygia escapes from Vinicius clutches and flees outside where Ursus has just killed Croto. He goes to kill Vinicius but is stopped by Lygia, though Vinicius is knocked unconscious. Vinicius is taken inside the house and asks for Ursus to find and bring Chilo to him. Vinicius vouches for Ursus, claiming he was attacked by Croto and Ursus rescued him killing Croto in self-defense.

Glaucus, who is witnessing this, recognizes Chilo as the man who destroyed his family previously but stops Ursus from acting violently, forgiving Chilo in the name of Christ. Chilo is brought outside by Ursus and sent away.

Vinicius is nursed back to health by Lygia and continues to profess his love for her though she continues to reject him. However, Lygia confesses that she does love Vinicius to Crispus, another Christian leader. Crispus scolds her as Vinicius is a member of the nobility that is persecuting him. However, Peter the Apostle (Giovanni Gizzi) walks in on the conversation and tells Lygia her love is not a sin. Scorned by Lygia's rejection, Vinicius returns to the palace. Eunice is now living as one of Petronius' favorites.

While attending another banquet in Agrippa, Vinicius is approached by Poppaea who attempts to seduce him though Vinicius pushes her away.

Petronius pleads with Vinicius to forget Lygia. Chilo arrives and tells Vinicius that he knows Lygia's hiding place and suggests they surround her house and capture her. Vinicius has Chilo taken out and whipped. He tells Chilo to forget they ever knew each other.

Vinicius returns to the Christian hideout and promises is support the Christians and is accepted by Peter. As a show of his faith, Vinicius frees all of his slaves.

Nero holds a large a large rally in Antium and is cheered on by the people. However, in secret he gives the order to Tigellinus (Cesare Moltini) to burn Rome. Tigellinus follows the orders, and the arsonists begin to burn Rome.

Vinicius is brought before Nero and the marriage between Vinicius and Lygia is approved by him, though Poppaea is jealous. Nero is informed that the burning has begun and Vinicius, overhearing, races to the city finding it in chaos. Vinicius searches for Lygia through the chaos, finding the hiding spot empty. Vinicius passes out from smoke inhalation and is brought to safety.

Regaining consciousness, Vinicius finds Chilo and the two search for Lygia. Nero arrives in Rome and seeing the city is inspired to perform his new poetry and songs for the fleeing populace. The people are outraged and begin to shout insults at Nero. Frightened he flees while Petronius attempts to calm the crowd by promising future riches from Nero.

Vinicius and Chilo find the Christians in the catacombs. Peter brings Vinicius and Chilo to the caves of Linus, a quarry-man, where Lygia is hiding. Vinicius is reunited with Lygia and baptized by Peter.

Petronius' words have not calmed the masses, so Nero decides to accuse Tigellinus of burning Rome and sends him away. Poppaea arrives and convinces Nero to accuse the Christians of burning Rome, though Petronius defends the Christians urging Nero to accept the blame. Tigellinus attempts to arrest Petronius, though he is quickly pardoned by Nero.

Chilon arrives and claims that it was the Christians who were responsible, particularly Vinicius, Lygia, and Petronius. The homes of known Christians are raided and Lygia, Ursus, and Glaucus are all arrested. Vinicius arrives after the arrests and leaves for the prison for news accompanied by Petronius. A guard confirms that Lygia is unharmed and being watched over by Ursus.

Vinicius finds Chilo at the head of a procession, recently being promoted for providing Nero an out to bearing responsibility. Chilo invites Vinicius to his house to continue the celebration. Vinicius instead goes to pray.

Petronius is now viewed in disgrace by Nero, Tigellenius, and the other Roman nobles. Vinicius seeks out information of Lygia from other prisoners and discovers she was taken ill and taken away.

Nero hosts a series of games to celebrate the capture of the prisoners that includes chariot races and gladiator fights. Vinicius goes to the Imperial Balcony to tell Petronius that he has still not found Lygia. Meanwhile, the Christian prisoners are rounded and brought into the coliseum to fight wild beasts. The lions are released and slaughter the prisoners.

The lions are cleared, and an angry bull is released with a woman tied to its back. Ursus is then released into the coliseum and after his eyes adjust to the light, he recognizes Lygia tied to the bull. He kills the bull with his bare hands rescuing Lygia and winning the support of the crowd. Vinicius rushes into the center and calls for clemency for Lygia, revealing himself to be a decorated war veteran. The crowd begins to turn on Nero forcing him to grant clemency.

Petronius reveals Eunice that he has been sentenced to death by Nero. He hosts a final feast where both he and Eunice both drink a poison and die in each other's embrace.

Nero continues to execute the Christian prisoners, now burning many of them at the stake. Chilo sees Glaucus as one of those burning and falls to his knees begging for his forgiveness. He reveals that the Christians are innocent, and it was Nero who burned Rome. He is chased from the city but found by the Apostle Paul. Paul comforts Chilo and baptizes him as a Christian. Chilo is then arrested by the Roman authorities and executed.

Peter and Nazarus, another Christian noble, leave Rome. However, they see the spirit of Jesus who tells Peter to return to Rome and guide his people.

Eventually the Roman legions revolt against Nero and he is forced to flee from Rome with a few close supporters. He stabs himself and commits suicide shortly before they are found by a regiment of Roman soldiers.





















Marcus Vinicius (Amleto Novelli), a Roman military officer returning from Armenia, arrives at the estate of his friend Petronius (Gustavo Serena), a prominent Roman noble. Vinicius tells Petronius of Lygia (Lea Giunchi), a young woman he has fallen in love with. Lygia is the foster daughter of Aulus Plautius (Ignazio Lupi) and Petronius and promises to Vinicius to speak with Nero about Vinicius's love for Lygia.

Petronius and Vinicius first go to the home of Aulus and his wife Pomponia Graecina, the foster parents of Lygia and visit with them. Petronius is given audience with the Emperor Nero (Carlo Cattaneo) and gets him to entrust Lygia to Vinicius.

Nero soldiers arrive at Aulus' estate and take Lygia against her will. Lygia's slave Ursus (Bruto Castellani) decodes to go with her for her protection. Aulus attempts to gain audience with Nero but is denied.

Vinicius is on edge waiting for Lygia's arrival and begins to accuse Petronius of taking her for himself. Petronius informs Vinicius of Lygia's arrest and that she will be given to Vinicius tomorrow. Vinicius writes to Aulus informing them that his guardianship over Lygia is the will of Nero and they all must accept it.

Lygia is brought to a large banquet being by Nero and Vinicius reunites with her. The banquet turns into a drunken, raucous orgy. Vinicius attempts to force himself on Lygia, but she is rescued by Ursus and taken away. Ursus brings Lygia to Acte, one of Nero's mistresses and slaves. Acte warns them not to evoke the wrath of Nero.

Acte brings Lygia to Poppaea (Olga Brandini), the wife of Nero, and pleads her to bring Lygia back to her family but Poppaea refuses. Lygia is ordered back to Vinicius and is distraught.

Vinicius and Petronius wait for Lygia's arrival. However, during the journey to Petronius' Ursus leads an ambush on the carriage and rescue Lygia. Irate at the failure of his slaves to bring him Lygia, he has them whipped. Petronius offers his slave, Eunice (Amelia Cattaneo), to Vinicius as a consolation though Vinicius refuses. Eunice, who is in love with Petronius, beseeches Petronius to let her stay. He punishes her with whipping but begins to grow fond of her.

Vinicius hires Chilo (Augusto Mastripietri), a private investigator, to find Lygia. Remembering that she drew a fish in the sand, Vinicius believes that Lygia might be a Christian. Meanwhile, Nero blames Lygia for his daughter's death.

Chilo begins to investigate Lygia's Christian background to find her and manipulates Ursus into revealing the meeting location, Ostrianum, by accusing Glaucus, a Christian leader, of betraying them. Chilo reports his findings to Vinicius and requests the assistance of the gladiator Croto.

Vinicius, Chilo, and Croto go to Ostrianum during a prayer service and hear St. Peter's preaching, which has a profound impact on Vinicius. After the service the three follow Peter, Lygia, and Ursus. Vinicius makes his move and attempts to kidnap Lygia, sending Croto attack Ursus while he captures Lygia from the house.

Lygia escapes from Vinicius clutches and flees outside where Ursus has just killed Croto. He goes to kill Vinicius but is stopped by Lygia, though Vinicius is knocked unconscious. Vinicius is taken inside the house and asks for Ursus to find and bring Chilo to him. Vinicius vouches for Ursus, claiming he was attacked by Croto and Ursus rescued him killing Croto in self-defense.

Glaucus, who is witnessing this, recognizes Chilo as the man who destroyed his family previously but stops Ursus from acting violently, forgiving Chilo in the name of Christ. Chilo is brought outside by Ursus and sent away.

Vinicius is nursed back to health by Lygia and continues to profess his love for her though she continues to reject him. However, Lygia confesses that she does love Vinicius to Crispus, another Christian leader. Crispus scolds her as Vinicius is a member of the nobility that is persecuting him. However, Peter the Apostle (Giovanni Gizzi) walks in on the conversation and tells Lygia her love is not a sin. Scorned by Lygia's rejection, Vinicius returns to the palace. Eunice is now living as one of Petronius' favorites.

While attending another banquet in Agrippa, Vinicius is approached by Poppaea who attempts to seduce him though Vinicius pushes her away.

Petronius pleads with Vinicius to forget Lygia. Chilo arrives and tells Vinicius that he knows Lygia's hiding place and suggests they surround her house and capture her. Vinicius has Chilo taken out and whipped. He tells Chilo to forget they ever knew each other.

Vinicius returns to the Christian hideout and promises is support the Christians and is accepted by Peter. As a show of his faith, Vinicius frees all of his slaves.

Nero holds a large a large rally in Antium and is cheered on by the people. However, in secret he gives the order to Tigellinus (Cesare Moltini) to burn Rome. Tigellinus follows the orders, and the arsonists begin to burn Rome.

Vinicius is brought before Nero and the marriage between Vinicius and Lygia is approved by him, though Poppaea is jealous. Nero is informed that the burning has begun and Vinicius, overhearing, races to the city finding it in chaos. Vinicius searches for Lygia through the chaos, finding the hiding spot empty. Vinicius passes out from smoke inhalation and is brought to safety.

Regaining consciousness, Vinicius finds Chilo and the two search for Lygia. Nero arrives in Rome and seeing the city is inspired to perform his new poetry and songs for the fleeing populace. The people are outraged and begin to shout insults at Nero. Frightened he flees while Petronius attempts to calm the crowd by promising future riches from Nero.

Vinicius and Chilo find the Christians in the catacombs. Peter brings Vinicius and Chilo to the caves of Linus, a quarry-man, where Lygia is hiding. Vinicius is reunited with Lygia and baptized by Peter.

Petronius' words have not calmed the masses, so Nero decides to accuse Tigellinus of burning Rome and sends him away. Poppaea arrives and convinces Nero to accuse the Christians of burning Rome, though Petronius defends the Christians urging Nero to accept the blame. Tigellinus attempts to arrest Petronius, though he is quickly pardoned by Nero.

Chilon arrives and claims that it was the Christians who were responsible, particularly Vinicius, Lygia, and Petronius. The homes of known Christians are raided and Lygia, Ursus, and Glaucus are all arrested. Vinicius arrives after the arrests and leaves for the prison for news accompanied by Petronius. A guard confirms that Lygia is unharmed and being watched over by Ursus.

Vinicius finds Chilo at the head of a procession, recently being promoted for providing Nero an out to bearing responsibility. Chilo invites Vinicius to his house to continue the celebration. Vinicius instead goes to pray.

Petronius is now viewed in disgrace by Nero, Tigellenius, and the other Roman nobles. Vinicius seeks out information of Lygia from other prisoners and discovers she was taken ill and taken away.

Nero hosts a series of games to celebrate the capture of the prisoners that includes chariot races and gladiator fights. Vinicius goes to the Imperial Balcony to tell Petronius that he has still not found Lygia. Meanwhile, the Christian prisoners are rounded and brought into the coliseum to fight wild beasts. The lions are released and slaughter the prisoners.

The lions are cleared, and an angry bull is released with a woman tied to its back. Ursus is then released into the coliseum and after his eyes adjust to the light, he recognizes Lygia tied to the bull. He kills the bull with his bare hands rescuing Lygia and winning the support of the crowd. Vinicius rushes into the center and calls for clemency for Lygia, revealing himself to be a decorated war veteran. The crowd begins to turn on Nero forcing him to grant clemency.

Petronius reveals Eunice that he has been sentenced to death by Nero. He hosts a final feast where both he and Eunice both drink a poison and die in each other's embrace.

Nero continues to execute the Christian prisoners, now burning many of them at the stake. Chilo sees Glaucus as one of those burning and falls to his knees begging for his forgiveness. He reveals that the Christians are innocent, and it was Nero who burned Rome. He is chased from the city but found by the Apostle Paul. Paul comforts Chilo and baptizes him as a Christian. Chilo is then arrested by the Roman authorities and executed.

Peter and Nazarus, another Christian noble, leave Rome. However, they see the spirit of Jesus who tells Peter to return to Rome and guide his people.

Eventually the Roman legions revolt against Nero and he is forced to flee from Rome with a few close supporters. He stabs himself and commits suicide shortly before they are found by a regiment of Roman soldiers.