Inspirational Viewing

If you're in the mood for getting in the mood for Alexandria, here's a few things you might put on your watch schedule:

1. Agora (2009). This is a film about Hypatia and Alexandria set a little after our time frame. Its probably the best option, at least for the visuals and some setting ideas, and is available on Netflix. 
2. Alexandria (2010). This is an ok documentary about Alexandria, which takes quite a bit of footage from Agora. Its at least quick and you might put it on while you're doing something else. Also on Netflix.
3. Rome (2005-2007). The HBO show. Its pretty good, shows some nice paganism, but is about 300 years earlier than the timeframe of the game. Also it was cancelled, so they crammed what could have been 2+ seasons into the second one. But it was still good.

I should note, none of this is required watching by any means, but if you're exhausted on a Tuesday night and looking for something to watch, I'd consider one of the above three. Possibly while doing a some light reading or having a push-up competition with yourself. Others recent films/shows showcasing the Ancient world:

• Spartacus (2010-2013). Blood and Sand. War of the Damned. Vengeance. Gods of the Arena. A bit early, but good from the little I've seen of it.
• The Eagle (2011). The lost 9th legion in Britton.
• Centurion (2010). Another 9th legion film.
• The Last Legion (2007). After our time period and I ain't seen it yet. Can't vouch for it. Might involve some King Arthur nonsense.
• 300 (2006). Abs for days. A bit more ancient, but still gives you some feel for antiquity.
• Empire (2005). A 44 BCE story. A six-episode miniseries. Haven't finished it. The beginning isn't bad, but maybe a bit slow.
• Alexander (2004). Yeah. That film. Its Greek and earlier than our period, but the damned city is named after this man. I think there's a director's cut out which is probably better than the theatrical release. Longer if nothing else.
• The Passion of the Christ (2004). Yeah. I know. Plus its a reader. But the visuals and the subject matter are fitting. 
• Spartacus (2004). Haven't seen it... 
• Troy (2004). Trojan war with with Brad Pitt. 
• Gladiator (2000). Been a long time since I seen this one.

I think most of these are on the Netflix or Amazon Prime. Netflix might still have a one month free trial. I haven't included anything older than 2000, though I would have taken a film from the mid-to-late 90s if I spotted something decent. What I'm not including are all those old sword-and-sandal flicks or 80s things that might be more of a chore than a light romp to get us in the mood. But if anyone delves into those and spots something worthwhile (for the visuals, the story, a few key scenes, whatever), let me know.  I hear tell that I, Claudius might be good. There's supposed to be a Katherine of Alexandria film coming out this year, but I haven't been able to figure out when or if we have any chance of viewing it anytime soon. There's a couple that I haven't seen on the list above (or haven't seen all of), but I tried to make good use of reviews and the interwebs before putting absolute trash on there. If any of it is trash, feel free to mention it in the comments section.

A few that take a fantastic take on the ancient world: Clash of the Titans (2010), Wrath of the Titans (2012), Immortals (2011), Prince of Persia (2012). Can't say I'd recommend these for any historical accuracy or legitimate inspiration though (and also I can't remember which of them I've seen and which I haven't).