Orazi e curiazi (Duel of Champions) (1961)
Director: Ferdinando Baldi
Starring: Alan Ladd, Franca Bettoja, Franco Fabrizi, Robert Keith, Luciano Marin
Rome is in a long war with the Albans. Both sides are exhausted, so they set up a duel to decide the winner. The Romans chose the three Orazi brothers. The Albans chose the three Curiazi brothers.
Roman leader (Alan Ladd) versus Alba.
Historical Background:
753-715 BC -- Romulus & Remus
715-673 BC -- Numa Pompilius. After the death of Numa Pompilius the peace he established began to break down.
673-642 BC -- Tullius Hostilius, the third of the legendary Kings of Rome who succeeded Numa Pompilius. He oversaw the first extension of Roman territory beyond Rome itself.
The Romans and the Albans began to raid each other's fields and steal each other's animals. The Albans and Romans prepared to attack. The Romans defeated the Albans. As vassals of Rome, the Albans were now expected to fight with Rome against their enemies. When Alba did not help, Tullius had the dictator of Alba, Metius Suffetius, torn in two (using chariots running in opposite directions). Tullius then had Alba Longa destroyed. The Albans were sent to live on the Caelian Hill.
It is not known for sure who destroyed Alba Longa. It may not have been Tullius. It is not known for sure who destroyed Alba Longa. Tullius himself was killed by a bolt of lightning.
642-617 -- Ancus Marcius.
617-579 -- Tarquinius Priscus.
579-535 -- Servius Tullius.
534-510 -- Lucius Tarquinius Superbus.
509 -- the king was pushed out and the Roman Republic founded.
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