Original subtitles

Two thousand years ago...

Rome ruled the world.

Their gods, worshipped everywhere, displayed their grandeur.

But others gods threatened them.

The Egyptian Isis cult...

...had already seduced the rich with its pomp.

Recently, the young cult of the Christ

...had comforted the poor and the slaves.

The clash of faiths divided the people.

Suddenly, fate put an end to it all.

Within hours, an eruption

united in death the disunited citizens.

For a long time, every trace remained hidden.

Last century, farmers set to ploughing the rich volcanic earth,

and soon, the city was found,

like it was when death surprised it.

Pompei, almost intact, was brought to light.

A miracle.

Here was the forum...

the amphitheater...

the temples.

The villa of the rich Diomedes still had its columns,

...his works of art.

They found the cellar,

...where he had locked up the slaves,

...whom he not even freed when the eruption began.

In the streets, the cobblestones still show...

...the ruts left by iron-rimmed chariot wheels.

Here are the millstones used to grind the grain...

The bakery still recalls the toils

...from 2000 years ago.

This is a potter's shop,

...where the first christians hid from the police.

And this is the tribunal...

...where the rulers judged the enemies of the Empire,

...and sentenced them to be thrown to the lions in the arena,

...where the best feasts were also the bloodiest.

But on the last day that Pompei had to live,

it wasn't poor christians who were judged here.

The case had another importance.

A young Greek is on trial, a man well known in Pompei.

Yesterday all the noble patricians loved him.

Now they're here to crush him. Yesterday admired by all,

...today they only see him as food for the wild beasts.

In fact, he was accused of an atrocious murder.

And all the testimony was overwhelmingly against him.

But was he actually...

...a killer?

Sitting there on his stool, he seemed bewildered, robbed of his reason.

But was he really mad?

Only one patrician came to testify on his behalf.

I've come to speak for a good friend.

This man, was he really a friend?

It would have seemed so,

...when they were on their chariots,

...racing each other to the villa of Diomedes.

Faster!

Faster, Lysias, Clodius mustn't beat us!

Don't worry, Salluste, we'll catch them.

Drive those horses, Clodius! - I'm doing all I can.

I will arrive at Diomedes first.

You won't beat me, Lysias.

I bet I'll be there first.

You won't win if even I have to drive over people.

Two thousand... agreed?

Three thousand, and it's too bad for the people.

Hurry those horses, Clodius

Come on,

...give up, Lysias.

Give up? Never!

We'll be there first.

They've killed her!

Of course that mad man hasn't even a scratch!

It's the luck of the rich! - Who is she?

It's Nydia, Burbo's slave.

Have her carried to the baths, we'll take care of her there.

We've outdistanced Lysias! - What a victory!

3,000 sesterces in my purse! I really needed them.

Even though he took the shortcut.

At this rate Lysias will soon ruin himself, with your help.

He'll marry some rich woman. They love him.

Especially Julia, the daughter of Diomedes.

The best part of Pompei. Look at this: what a villa!

A bit too new and arrogant. Like the father's money.

All that will age soon.

Still I think I'll like the place, if Lysias gets into the family...

Shh.

Greetings, Julia!

Greetings!

Isn't Lysias with you? - We beat him in a race.

He has better horses. But driving is an art too.

He is no match for me.

Luck smiles at those who don't deserve it.

He won't be long.

Are you feeling better?

I can see again. - Poor child.

Lysias!

Lysias... - But...

...do you know me?

For some time, Lysias.

How? What do you do?

I sell flowers for my master.

I see.

Where did I see your face before?

One time, I took care of the flowers in your garden.

And since that day...

Well?

I've wanted to come back.

But you were gone. - I was at Naples.

And I meet you again because you hit me.

Oh! Because you hurt me.

Forgive me, Nydia. - You return,

...and I suffer.

She hasn't recovered her senses, poor thing!

She'll be all right, I'll take care of her.

Salluste, go and get Burbo. - What do you want with that brute?

Go, bring him. - I'm going.

Where is Lysias? Oh, I'm getting worried.

Nothing should keep him from you. - An accident, maybe.

Or just a new whim. - You're kidding?

But what's this music? - That's three o'clock.

Really. - My father just bought himself a new toy, a water clock.

He bought a clock?

I didn't know he was as rich as all that.

It announces the hours. - Sophisticated.

The Emperor himself doesn't possess such a jewel!

The water marks the hours, it can't fail.

And it's all pure solid gold.

It's a marvel!

Diomedes, you're a favorite of the gods. - No.

These luxuries, Lepidus,

...these bronzes,

...these vases, these statues,

...do you know to who I owe all this? - To yourself, to your genius...

...and to your construction business. - No doubt.

Oh, but I've had an efficient partner.

Who's that? - It's Vesuvius.

After the last eruption, fifteen years ago...

...you should have seen Pompei...

I reconstructed completely. I owe my riches to old Vesuvius.

Honestly, Diomedes, your daring and fortune make me dizzy.

I just love possessions.

And right now, I possess everything.

Even time!

Save my, Lysias. They mistreat me and beat me.

What is she mumbling now? It's compensation that we want.

Is she your slave? - Why?

I'll buy her, how much?

You'll buy her? I have to figure it out...

I paid 4 gold sesterces for her.

No, six, he's mistaken.

And besides we're very fond of her.

I'll give you ten sesterces in gold. - You're joking, aren't you?

Ten sesterces, Stratonica, enough to buy... - Silence, fool.

I said ten in gold. - Greetings. Arbax sent me.

He wants the girl for tonight's ceremony.

You've heard? They ask for her.

By the High Priest at the Temple of Isis.

I won't go!

You may beat me, or let me starve to death.

Alright, we'll carry you there.

You'll obey, Nydia. What's the matter with you? - She may be right.

I don't trust Arbax.

Twelve sesterces. - Fourteen, and it's a bargain.

Settled!

Here's fifteen.

Thank you, Lysias.

I'm so happy...

To be your slave!

Come.

I'll help you, totally selfless. But...

it's a delicate task. It's a Greek.

He hasn't our Roman virtues. He is inscrutable.

In Naples... - Naples?

He met a woman...

How did you guess it?

The most noble of all beings, most moving...

What? - Those aren't my words.

It's Lysias.

He had to see her again, but she ran.

Since then, he searches for her.

Julia, there you have...

...a formidable opponent.

A ghost.

Helen! - Where's Helen?

There!

Hold the reins. - Master!

Don't leave me. - Take Nydia home.

Let's go.

Believers, hear my voice.

Mother of all Nature!

Mistress of all elements! All powerful amongst the gods!

Queen of the subterranean forces.

First among the heavenly powers.

Isis, saviour of mortal men!

Helen.

At last I've found you!

Isis, Holy and Eternal!

I've been looking for you for days!

After many sorrows and loneliness, you are there.

I mark this day with a white stone.

Never a day, never an instant...

Don't come near me, Lysias.

Every moment is filled with your blessings.

Don't talk like that in a place like this.

At the least, don't talk so loud.

Do you remember our meeting in Naples?

I dared to speak to you, as a stranger,

...whom I'd always known.

I told you my name.

And I told you mine.

Yes. The most beautiful: Helen.

You had promised we'd meet again, but I waited for you in vain.

You ran away.

Why?

Someone has asked me to keep away from you.

He has brought me to the temple.

Isis...

What man wanted that? - Isis.

Arbax. The same, who...

Isis...

Isis...

Faithful of Isis...

rise!

I summon you to this Temple in three days for a solemn ceremony.

We will consecrate as a new priestess,

the orphaned daughter of Criton of Athens.

Approach, Helen!

Well there, Lysias, where've you been? - At the baths.

Julia is furious. You managed to arouse her jealousy.

He's right. She adores you.

Look here to see your fortune re-established.

You need it badly, I'm sure.

Don't forget the 3,000 you owe me.

I will pay you, rest assured.

But I'm not selling myself.

Selling? Don't be crude!

Julia is very sweet. - I know.

And rich. I do my best,

...to encourage this marriage so advantageous,

and you refuse. Disaster!

You don't love somebody else, by chance?

Let's play. Will you join? - Yes.

Let's play.

What happened to him?

I dare not tell it.

I saw a certain Helen again. - Helen?

Who, unfortunately,

...is in the power of Arbax. Dangerously.

It's crazy to let the catch get away.

We have to save Lysias.

Think how easy he used to be.

So, do we play?

What's the stake? - This ring.

Meant for Julia? For your engagement?

Maybe yesterday it was, but now I play for it.

Proof that I care no longer for Julia.

And that you become a priest of Isis. Play.

No. Ask Salluste. I won't play.

Let's start, Lepidus. - OK.

Three aces. - No, I saw. Only two.

Your turn, Clodius.

Four 6.

You won, Clodius.

Such a chance twice a day!

You're going already? - No, I quit.

One must not tempt the gods.

Greetings, Helen. You don't know my name: Clodius.

A good friend of Lysias.

Ah. Did he send you?

No. I visit on his behalf.

Where is this leading?

Forgive my indiscretion, I prefer frankness.

Lysias is my friend.

I'm aware of both his high virtues,

...and his shortcomings.

You've come to talk of his faults? - Far from it.

They are not that bad. - Aren't they?

A certain fickleness.

He forgets his duties.

Why are you telling me this? I know him badly.

You've met him.

Oh! Twice.

You have to realize that men like that,

...are often truly deceiving themselves.

All this doesn't interest me.

I was mistaken.

Excuse me.

What duties are these?

All of Pompei knows: he is engaged.

Did he tell you?

Engaged to Julia, the daughter of Diomedes.

A perfect match.

To Julia? But why didn't he tell me?

He only met you twice.

That's true, but... Oh, I can't believe it.

Ask Julia.

She will confirm it. - I wish to talk to Lysias.

No need to do that. Let me save you from the humiliation.

You know this ring?

Don't you?

I've seen Lysias wear it.

It's the one that Lysias means... - for his fianc�e. - Julia.

He asked me to bring it to her. I'm his witness.

So you're no longer in doubt?

Goodbye, Clodius. - Goodbye, Helen.

But think.

His love for you would ruin him.

Two lives would've been miserable.

Can we have no faith in anyone?

Oh! But you can trust in me.

And accept my apologies.

Lepidus is winning a lot. He's learned from Clodius.

He's double-dealing.

Everyone cheats!

Are you talking about me? - No.

About Clodius. - And you, do you never cheat?

No. I'd rather loose because of bad luck,

...than win by plotting.

I want a clear life.

I'll never marry Julia, I love Helen.

Do you understand? - Sure, Lysias.

So long, Salluste. - So long.

And you, Nydia, were you ever in love?

No, never. Until now.

Or at least, I didn't know.

You're lucky.

Master!

Thank you.

You've save me from Burbo and his maltreatment.

I belong to you now.

And you allow me to live by your side.

Thank you.

You don't like Burbo.

You don't like Arbax either, right?

Why not? - He frightens me.

What did he do?

Please let me stay silent.

You too, master, should fear him. Beware of Arbax.

He's terrible powers. He speaks with the gods.

Is it a bad thing to become priestess of Isis?

Yes, master.

Forgive me, master.

Why did I tell you that?

Because you're my master.

Because you saved me. Because I...

Thank you, Nydia.

Announce me to your mistress.

Lysias. - She's not here.

Gone out?

Yes, master.

With Arbax, perhaps?

Maybe. - Where are they? Tell me!

At the temple of Isis? - Possibly.

Listen to her.

Listen to her counsel.

Your destiny lies in the temple.

Let nothing keep you from it.

The earth is shaking. Soon, it will shake even worse.

The only safety is between these walls,

against people's lies and against death.

The Goddess awaits!

Hesitate no longer, Helen.

Tomorrow it will be too late.

Swear that you'll belong to no man.

Isis, Holy and Eternal,

...there's no day, no night...

Approach, Lysias.

Why are you hiding?

Have the courage to face Isis.

She's not afraid of you.

Lysias!

It's well that you should witness Helen taking her vows.

Why did you come here?

Helen, I beg you not to listen.

Don't obey Arbax.

Don't let him consecrate you daughter of Isis.

Her religion is built on trickery and false idols.

There's nothing here but lies.

And what place, and what heart isn't full of lies? Go away, Lysias!

Go to Julia, Lysias. - Not before I've convinced you of the truth!

What are you saying?

She says that he who lies about love, is bound to lie about all.

And it is you, Arbax, who accuses me of lying!

You, the High Priest of impostures!

Sacrilege!

Helen, listen, please!

Look around you! It's all a hoax.

This statue speaks with the voice of the priestess hidden within it.

It shines by the light of sulphurous lava.

These are the mysteries of Isis!

Speak to him, Helen, tell him what you know.

Yes. Arbax didn't hide anything from me.

I already know all you think you're revealing.

The lies told in the name of the gods...

are less cruel than those done by men... to deceive!

Move away, Lysias - No, Helen.

No.

I will detach you from this devotion.

I'll give you to yourself.

You should know the truth about your Arbax.

He consecrates you to Isis to keep you for himself!

Arbax loves you!

Be accursed, Lysias, for having profaned our Temple.

For having accused its priest!

May the Goddess show her anger,

and bring destruction upon you!

And you, Helen, choose!

The volcano! Vesuvius!

Isis has answered you, Lysias.

Persist in your blasphemies, if you still dare!

Lysias!

Helen!

Vesuvius warned Pompei,

but the shock was only brief.

And few understood...

But the animals...

You see he's restless, he refused his food, he's too frightened.

It's like me, the shock has made me lose my appetite.

Beasts and brutes like you all react in the same way.

I pray to you, Helen,

...these feelings and anxieties have broken you,

...and showed me how much I love you.

Don't speak of love so lightly,

...like you spoke of the divine mysteries.

I love you, Helen.

And when you cried my name, I understood you love me.

Even if you will not admit it.

I defeated the spell of the temple.

Don't think you won. You're a blasphemer.

Beware of the goddess and her priest.

What can they do?

They have no real powers. - No?

The earth shook at Arbax's command. - Wrong.

The shock had been announced.

Arbax took advantage of an accident.

Animals feel nature, but they're not wizards.

Arbax wants to posses you.

But I love you, and you love me.

Nothing will separate us anymore.

The sun shines its light on us.

There's no light like that of the truth.

What are you saying?

Are you certain you've got nothing to hide?

I'll admit I used to be restless.

But my love for you has changed me.

It has bettered me.

That ought to please your fianc�e.

My fianc�e? - Enough of your lies, Lysias.

Why deny it?

Julia is elegant and rich.

A perfect match. - What do I care about Julia.

Why think of her? - You were to marry her.

We weren't bethrothed.

There was talk of engagement.

Julia mentioned it as about to happen.

Clodius was to be your witness.

That's true. But how did you know?

Don't ask me.

The traitor won't be revealed. - Who?

It doesn't matter.

For your sake I want to know the truth.

Tell me that, Lysias.

I thought about marrying Julia.

But from the day that I saw you, Helen,

my love,

I gave up on that plan.

Since I found you again,

it's no more than a bad dream.

Forget it, Helen.

I'd really like to, Lysias.

But I know... - Do you want proof?

I had an engagement ring that I intended for Julia.

I staked it in a game of cards today.

One of my friends won it. - Who?

Clodius.

Thanks, Lysias.

Now I know where the truth comes from.

Soon you'll know even better.

Before noon I will go and talk to Julia.

She'll no longer doubt my decision.

You don't say.

Helen...

If you want, you'll be my fianc�e.

I want to stay with you to protect you.

And to belong to you.

Go, Lysias.

I believe in you.

I'll wait for you.

Master, Nydia, your slave is here.

Ah, have her come in. Helen,

here is an engagement present: Nydia, the little slave...

I bought from Burbo.

She sings and she can tend the flowers.

She's yours, Helen, from now on.

I know you'll be pleased with her.

Do you consent, Nydia?

You're the master.

There you see know obedient she is.

Nydia!

You mustn't tremble before me.

In my house, slaves have always been happy.

Answer... are you glad to be with me?

You are lovely...

...mistress.

I greet you, Julia.

I'm glad your chariot didn't overturn this time...

...and that you did not hurt anyone.

Teasing me?

Oh no. You've got used, they say,

...to buy lovely young slaves, who you've knocked down,

...and neglecting your old friends.

Don't believe it.

I've experienced, these past days,

...how an accident can change my destiny.

I understand, you're breaking our betrothal.

Our intended betrothal.

I imagine people's gossips won't be so subtle,

...but anyway...

I prefer your brutal frankness,

...to cowardly silence. Let us remain good friends, Lysias.

I suppose you're going to marry Helen?

You are well informed!

You specialize in saving young beauties.

Nydia, saved from Burbo, Helen, rescued from Isis.

What a pity for me that I wasn't hit by your chariot,

...or promised to a goddess.

Anyway, I think I'll survive.

I hope you'll attend my dinner tomorrow night.

Certainly, Julia.

I'll also invite Helen, your fianc�e.

It would be cruel to separate you from her now.

She'll accept the invitation gladly.

I appreciate your very kind gesture.

Good day!

Good day!

They look hungry, don't they.

But who'll fight them? Always the same question, not one murderer,

not the least crime! - But the games will be a failure. - Of course!

The aedile will lose his popularity if he doesn't find a victim.

You can always resort to arresting a few of those christians.

But how? They're hiding.

They meet in secret places, and the police can't find them.

Our police!

Blind or asleep, and generally both!

It's awful!

How can one take pleasure in the pain and death of others?

Of their brothers! - Their brothers?

Is a slave the brother of his master? - Yes, Nydia.

Come with me, I can read pity and love in your eyes,

you will see our brothers, you will see there is more than cruelty.

Your soul seems ready.

Come.

Truth be told, I despise this cruel amusement.

Feeling and delicacy of the Greek.

Bloody feasts distract the people from the state they're in.

Peace be with you.

Peace with who? - With the poor,

...the oppressed, and all those of good will.

Hello, brother.

Hello, brother.

Who is this woman?

A slave.

Go on.

You are the poorest,

you are the weakest.

Yet, you are the happiest...

...because the kingdom of heaven will be yours.

Tell us, Nazarene, where is this Kingdom of Heaven?

It's in you, it's in all of us,

and that's why I say unto you:

Love your enemies,

...be kind to those who hate you.

You're mocking us, Nazarene. Here the law is like this:

An eye for an eye... - Yes, and a tooth for a tooth,

...and misery for misery, until the end of time...

This makes no sense.

If you only love those who love you,

...then peace will never reign upon this earth.

We hear you, Nazarene, and we admire you,

but none of us can really believe your words.

Must we return good for evil? Can that be what you meant?

Then if all men are brothers,

...a patrician might love one of his slaves?

Just as well as a slave might love a patrician.

Yes.

But the rich never love as deeply as the poor, Nydia.

Well?

Fortunately yesterday's tremor didn't damage anything seriously.

It was miraculous, Arbax.

It was as if you had planned the earthquake.

There are no miracles, Lucius.

It's simply a matter of brains.

In fact, certain signs forewarned me yesterday.

You probably noticed them too?

Yes, but I would never have thought that Lysias...

Shht! Don't mention that man's name in front of Isis.

Against that blasphemer other miracles will be forthcoming.

Come here, Nydia!

I've been thinking.

Tell the daughter of Diomedes that I accept with pleasure.

With pleasure, mistress? - Yes,

...and with gratitude.

I didn't expect her to be such a good loser.

You'll give her this basket, there's a phial of perfume in it.

And this necklace also? - Yes, with the necklace.

Very well.

And stress the word "gratitude".

I will, mistress.

Enter.

You wish to speak with my mistress in person and give her this basket?

Yes, with these perfumes and this necklace, those are my orders.

Then, wait here a moment.

When you see the visitor leave, you may go in.

Thanks, I'll wait.

Listen to me Julia,

I offer you vengeance,

something even better than vengeance!

Why should I want to avenge myself?

Because you still love Lysias.

Love him? I hate him!

That's what I meant. Let's not quibble about words.

Here is your vengeance.

This potion has...

...neither taste nor odor, is ordinary water in appearance.

When it's mixed with wine, it can't be perceived.

You don't need much. This small phial will suffice.

But he must drink it all. - And then ?

The woman who herself pours this philter for a man,

...and gives it to him to drink,

...binds that man to her forever by the strongest ties of love.

Is this possible? - He shall be hers.

Why do you give me this, Arbax?

And how do I know it isn't a philter of madness or death?

Do you insinuate I might want someone's death?

But why...

do you want Lysias to desire me and to come back to me?

To keep him from doing the wrong thing.

Really? - And help you too.

Lysias is inconstant, his heart hesitates and goes astray.

Thank you for being so helpful, Arbax.

Have confidence in me.

And pour it yourself, remember!

I'll go now. Good day, Julia.

I'll accompany you. - It's not necessary.

But I insist.

Nydia?

I bring you a present from Helen. - From Helen?

She accepts your invitation for tomorrow with pleasure.

Good.

And with gratitude.

Thank your mistress for me.

Tell her that her presence shall honour the feast.

What a feast! What a meal!

A few morsels really,

...a simple dinner that is enhanced by distinguished guests,

...especially the senator, Caius Marculus,

...to whom we owe the revival of the games in the arena.

I thank you, dear Diomedes, the games are being resumed,

...after a ten years lapse. They must be especially good.

If you don't furnish some victims for my beasts,

...your reputation and your career will suffer.

Is it my fault nobody kills in this city?

Would you like me to strangle you, my friend, to furnish...

...myself with a convict, so the beasts are fed in the arena?

Don't exaggerate, my dear judge.

The spiced wine is going to your head.

Can't you manage to get your hands on some jews,

...or better still, on some Christians?

Euh, they're hiding, they're afraid to proclaim their beliefs.

If Helen marries Lysias she'll regret it, poor girl.

He'll be unfaithful to her, he's a skeptic and a libertine.

My guess is that he won't marry her.

Look at those love birds!

I haven't been able to tell you, how much I prize the necklace.

I'm grateful to you for accepting it.

You are generous. It's right that fortune's so kind to you.

Lysias has eyes only for you, and you deserve it.

I hope we're going to be friends.

I shall always remember...

...the manner in which you received my fianc�e to-night.

Make no promises of this kind, Lysias.

You're going to forget.

How to remember the past, with a wife as pretty as Helen?

I'm afraid you're overdoing it, Julia.

Enough now, or I'll think you're mocking me.

May the gods preserve me, but if I make you feel uneasy, I'll go.

Julia?

Please, don't take offense. Helen didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

Really? Perhaps I misunderstood.

Do you think you can explain what she meant?

I propose that we drink to Vesuvius!

To Vesuvius!

Very well.

You're right, Clodius.

Our friend Vesuvius is my collaborator and my associate.

It favored reconstruction by a process...

...of destruction, complete and well planned.

We'll drink to Vesuvius!

May the volcano be nice and reasonable with its favours!

It won't overdo it, senator, we've signed a pact!

(tremor)

Did you hear that, Diomedes?

What's that noise, Diomedes?

Is it another tremor of the volcano like the other day?

Not at all, my dear friends.

It's only the slaves, chained in my cellar.

Some are there for stealing, and some for drunkenness.

The odour of our wine has reached them, and now they're excited.

They don't like water.

Let's drink to Diomedes!

You still haven't completed your mission.

You speak in riddles, Helen.

Shouldn't you deliver a ring?

A ring? - It's still on your finger.

Just carelessness, Helen.

Lysias told me Helen, I heard Julia.

Where was your head?

Let me correct the mistake.

This ring belongs to you, Helen.

No. Keep it to remind you, that lies won't work.

Please drink the last toast with me,

...to the happiness of the girl who will soon be your wife!

Certainly, Julia.

To Helen.

Drink, my friend.

Lysias!

Farewell Julia. I take leave.

So soon? - Goodbye.

Of course, you escort your fiancee? - Goodbye, Julia.

In case you want to come back,

...the feast will last until dawn...

... and I have an idea you'll want to come back, Lysias.

I'm looking forward to the day...

...when I won't have to leave you at the door of your room.

I know you're afraid of being alone.

No, Lysias.

I don't feel alone any longer, now that I have Nydia.

With her at my side, it's as if you're there too.

She adores you, because you saved her from Burbo.

Too much perhaps... - What do you mean? - Nothing.

Cleis, have Nydia pay her respects to Lysias.

Nydia hasn't returned since dark.

Where is she? - I don't know.

Fine. Go.

Where is she?

I don't know, but don't be too severe on her.

Your anger makes her despair.

I wish to know... - Later.

You will know.

Remain with me a moment.

The night is quiet, but still I feel it full of forebodings.

What do you fear, Helen?

There are no more obstacles to our happiness.

Alas...Love does arouse such hate.

Tonight I saw the looks of Julia. - So what? I love you, Helen.

I watched Clodius sneer at us, and I sensed Arbax's hate for you.

I love you, Helen. They're powerless against us.

I am frightened.

We must be careful not to tempt the fates.

The gods themselves envy us...

Forget Isis.

I am frightened, because I do love you, Lysias.

Helen,

...my life's yours.

My beloved!

It's getting very late, it's dawn.

Until tomorrow, Lysias!

Good night, my love.

Helen!

You're no longer afraid?

No, I feel strong now.

The night shadows slip away.

All the sad forebodings are gone.

Till tomorrow, Lysias.

Till tomorrow.

Soon Nydia will return.

Do you know where she can be found?

It's you who made me suspect, Helen.

Is that you, Nydia? At my home? At this hour!

Your mistress is waiting for you.

I gave you to Helen, you should obey her.

What strange behavior! You don't follow orders.

When a slave is treated with kindness,

...she neglects her duty. Go, Nydia, go!

No! Oh no, master, no, don't make me leave!

I don't know why I don't have you whipped.

Get out of here, Nydia.

Helen's waiting.

What, you're still here?

Nydia,

...before leaving, bring me some water.

I'm very thirsty.

Yes.

The wines at Diomedes...

...are too spiced,

...they burn the throat.

"The woman who herself pours this philter for a man,

...and gives it to him to drink,

...binds that man to her forever by the strongest ties of love."

Wake up, master!

I was to severe, Nydia,

...please forget it. - Oh, master!

No, don't!

"And how do I know it isn't a philter of madness or death?"

Master,

...master, forgive me!

Are you beginning to love me, master?

You understand me now, how much I've suffered!

You understand me, don't you, how much I adore you, master?

Who are you?

What?

Go away! - Master!

Don't hold me back, girl! You can't save this man's life,

...he must die!

Quick, slaves!

My chariot, harness my horses!

Where are they?

Aren't they ready?

What are you doing?

Get away!

Oh, master, forgive me! Arbax lied, when he...

Go away! Go away!

My chariot, quickly!

Hurry up!

Arbax!

Hurry up!

Go on!

Come on, give me my whip!

Here! Dogs, get back!

Back, I said!

Giddyap! Giddyap!

You see, he whipped me? He never did that before!

Death!

Mistress,

...should I take a torch to light the way?

No, Cleis.

The temple is close.

This veil belongs to the goddess.

I've no right to keep it any more.

I will bring it back to the temple.

And I'll pray to Isis to forgive me my luck.

Helen's refusal insults all of us.

And you, Arbax, why do you give up?

The goddess wants free servants.

I think that despite all, she will come back to us.

We will bring this message to Helen.

Yes. Let's go.

You have to show yourself firm, Arbax.

Leave me alone, Lucius.

And all of you, rest assured.

I will do what the goddess commands me.

Nothing will stop me.

Listen!

I've thought it over.

Go to Helen without me, and speak to her.

It's better that you try to convince her.

She must came back to Isis. Go!

Arbax!

Arbax!

You lied, High Priest!

It wasn't a philter of love that you gave to Julia,

it was a philter of madness, and I gave it to Lysias,

...with bad intentions.

You did that?

Yes, I love him. - Keep quiet,

...if you don't want to be arrested!

It doesn't matter. They will arrest us both.

Let me go! - Quiet!

I'll cry out that it's you who made Lysias lose his mind,

...because you're jealous, because you hate him!

Silence, miserable!

You won't stop me from telling, from shouting!

I want the world to know what you've done to Lysias!

You've destroyed his mind, because you wanted Helen for yourself,

...you've succeeded, but I'll cry out. They'll know what you did!

You're the criminal, you poured the philter.

Yes, I was jealous.

I wanted Lysias to love me, but I'll save him now.

You'll come and help cure him, or I'll expose you,

...and make you pay for it! - You fool!

Arbax has poisoned Lysias, Arbax gave Lysias...

Stop, keep quiet, you fool!

I must kill!

I must kill!

What are you doing there?

Why are you lying asleep on these steps?

Get up, you,

...stand up, and help me!

We must kill the liars!

Speak to me!

Speak to me!

Help!

Murder!

Hurry, catch the murderer!

Liar, you killed her, you're the murderer!

How dare you?

I saw it all, but your trick won't help you. I was a witness to your crime!

Blasphemer! Don't you know who I am?

You're the priest of a false god!

Imprison this calumniator, he mustn't speak to anybody.

Why not turn him over to the judges, if he's a calumniator?

Because I pity him. I know this man is a christian.

The authorities would certainly use him as food for the beasts.

You're a good man, High Priest!

It's wise to be kind sometimes.

Lock him in the cellar of the temple.

Go on, move...

A murder!

What's happened?

Look!

Who did it? - The madman.

The one who raced through the streets.

What is it. What's going on here?

This man has just killed a slave.

I came too late to stop him.

Clearly he killed her. Yes, yes.

Silence! I can't hear!

You, answer.

You confess? It's clear that you killed this woman.

To death!

You'll answer before the magistrate.

He's delirious.

Take him first. Forwards.

Go home.

No crowds.

Lysias!

Lysias, what's happened?

Death.

What do you mean? - Death.

You did not kill. It's impossible.

Answer me! Defend yourself.

What are you saying? And why question me?

Don't you recognize me?

Liars will stay liars.

And this liar will die.

Enough talk. On your way.

That is a poor defense.

Idiocy won't work anymore.

Move.

To death! Murderer!

To death! Murderer!

And meanwhile,

...secretly,

...nature was preparing the fate.

People were making fun.

Their lives were at stake,

...but they only cared for the murder of a slave.

Why should he murder her? - He bought her four days ago.

And four days later he kills her. It makes no sense.

He might've better not bought her at all.

She only got him arrested.

Greetings! - What is it?

Aulus is being held prisoner in Isis' Temple.

Who ordered the arrest of Aulus?

The High Priest, Arbax himself.

Arbax...

Our dear brother! - What right did he have to do that?

Out of love for his fellow men, no doubt.

He said that imprisoning Aulus was to protect him from the judges,

...who have no mercy for a Christian. But Arbax is a foul liar.

We must set free Aulus.

I know the Temple.

I worked there once as a mason,

...when they rebuilt all the walls right after the earthquake.

I know all the secret passages.

Then go and get him out as quickly as you can.

But shed no blood!

After all, I can't help being glad,

that I didn't succeed in bringing Lysias back to you, my dear Julia.

Most fortunately I had forebodings about him.

He had showed is impending madness in preferring Helen.

Oh, a pair, I'm sorry.

In any case I helped you.

Odd.

I can't understand what he did. - Who can?

With permission...

If a man has...

...changes of mind, I see.

He returns to a woman he broke up with...I see.

It's as if wizard did it.

Odd.

Poor Lysias.

They all lie.

They deceive.

Oh, even! I'm sorry.

How lucky. You think they will condemn him?

Yes, to the beasts. - To the beasts? - He is not a Roman citizen.

The laws do not protect him from an infamous end.

A horrible death, to the beasts, it's too bad.

Helen must feel sorry for having suc- ceeded in taking him away from me.

She may cry and suffer, but I'm glad!

It's a big risk.

I have a good job, if I got caught, I'd lose it.

Even worse,

...if you were to give him poison, to save him...

...from the beasts, and the angry crowd.

All right, speak to him.

But you can't stay long.

I'll count up to fifty,

...after that you'll have to leave.

And I'll be watching you.

Don't try to give him anything.

Go in, but you're wasting your time.

That guy doesn't do much talking.

One,

...two,

...three,

...four...

Lysias, Lysias... What's happened to you.

Don't you recognize me?

Who are you?

Oh, Lysias, my darling...

Twelve, thirteen...

Fourteen...

I love you, Lysias, more than ever.

You loved me too, remember!

Loved...

Yes, I loved someone.

But I don't remember who.

Lysias. - I don't know anymore.

I don't know any more!

This isn't possible.

It isn't possible that you are so far adrift.

...31...

Lysias, can't you hear me?

I see.

...44...

I can see, now...

I see a glimmer of light...

There seems to be a glimmer of light in my prison.

...49, 50.

A soft and gentle light, a nameless light...

Did you hear?

Don't stay, I wish to live.

Mistress, Helen wishes to speak to you.

Helen!

Have her come in!

Helen, I don't believe it. It isn't possible.

Watch this...

She'll throw herself at my feet...

She has come to beg and plead.

Listen to me, Julia. If your love for Lysias is real,

...you can't believe him guilty of killing a slave!

I wish there was something we could do... but what?

Julia, please, help no prove that Lysias is innocent.

How can we?

I don't know yet, but your father's connections...

...can help us. He's powerful, he can gain time at least.

I'm afraid not. - Oh, I implore you, Julia,

You must act.

Your friends, your father's influence... - Her father!

Her father's influential friends, oh yes, that's easy to say,

...but I just refuse to be brought into this affair.

Here is a man who's invited to my home,

...who drinks my wine, eats my food,

...then refuses my daughter, and believes I should be honored,

...that he feasted at my expense,

...and what an expense!

And then he kills people...

...in the public square,

...nobody knows why! - He's not a murderer!

Meanwhile they're going to say the worst things about us:

That the only kind of guests that come here,

...are libertines and parasites, cheats, thieves,

...and now murderers.

Listen, I don't want to hear the name of Lysias here.

And I forbid...

...anyone to involve me in this affair.

And that's final, do you hear?

Don't worry, Helen, we'll help you.

His condemnation would compromise us all.

It has compromised his friends already.

Don't profane the word "friend", please! You're not one.

You know, it's only the murder of a slave.

That slave was mine, Julia,

...a present from Lysias, he esteemed her.

He didn't murder her.

Who knows, she loved him perhaps,

Lysias is often very cruel.

You don't know him well. You'll learn one day.

He can't be responsible, he can't be.

He acted under the power of madness or of some spell.

I'm surprised that you believe in such superstitions.

Nobody believes in spells anymore.

I'm sure he was out of his mind.

There is some purpose...

...behind him. - What are you saying?

A plan behind his madness.

I repeat, we will help you.

...even if it's hopeless.

As long as the scandal doesn't reach us.

Thank you, Julia.

Witness, do you recognize the accused?

For certain.

I saw him as I see him now.

But that evening, he spoke more than today.

He cried, "To death!".

He was running towards the temple waving a dagger, like that.

"To death!"

Very well.

You may step down.

Is the daughter of Criton not here?

Her presence is not essential.

It is.

Will you tell me, Arbax,

...where your pupil is hiding?

It may seem incredible to the judges,

...but I don't know.

Pity.

I will not give a verdict...

...before I've heared her.

My compliments, Caius.

You, at least, speak the truth.

It's not enough for the judge.

He's waiting for a prime witness.

Who is this witness?

Someone from Athens. What is behind that?

The beasts are starved.

I've come to speak for a good friend.

Who's he? - Some pal probably.

The rich all stick together.

Lysias can't be a murderer, I'll vouch for him.

The witness has the right to be heard.

Guards, protect the witness!

Lysias is an honourable man.

In addition, he was a friend of Diomedes.

And Diomedes, as we know, only invites people of quality.

Which means?

That for Diomedes, Lysias is certainly not a criminal.

But for you he is one?

The impossible is quite often possible.

We ought to summon Diomedes.

Why not the entire city. It would be an interminable delay.

Might as well put it off indefinitely.

Clear justice should be quick. We have to finish.

I repeat that I found Lysias on the steps of the Temple,

...he had just killed Nydia.

Why did he kill her?

I have my suspicions as to his motives,

...but you want only facts.

I maintain that he killed her,

...and I'll furnish proof:

This dagger!

Silence!

This weapon belongs to your friend Lysias?

There are thousands of such weapons in Pompei.

It belongs to Lysias, yes or no?

Alas! His best friends couldn't possibly deny it.

This weapon belongs to Lysias.

An open and shut case, don't you agree?

One moment, Pansa...

Accused,

...do you recognize this dagger,

...as belonging to you?

Do you recognize this dagger,

...as being your own?

Arbax, please, show him the weapon up close.

I must kill!

This gesture is a confession.

Justice can't be rendered without calm and order.

I've been informed of an important witness, and,

...until he arrives, I do not intend to pass judgment.

And Lord, make that Aulus will be saved,

...and that he may help the case of Helen.

I've come among you...

...with great hopes.

The hours pass in prayer.

The sun is high in heaven.

The circus is filled with bloodthirsty people.

It's Lysias' blood they want!

Helen, the mason is working right now.

He knows the temple and is not afraid.

Aulus!

Come closer.

I hear you, brother.

Go to the door of the cellar, it will open.

The gate is closed. - It will open too.

Thank you, brother. - Hurry!

Who are you? What are you doing here?

Nothing.

And?

Come with me. - Leave me alone.

Come along, I tell you. - No!

You'll see!

An eye for an eye!

Love your enemy!

Well!

(he laughs)

Turn the other cheek.

(knock at the door)

Aulus! - What's happening?

We must hurry! - The truth must be told.

You know the truth? - Yes.

Will you tell the judge?

Innocent blood must not be spilled.

What if yours is?

They will martyr you.

God's will be done.

He did not show me the truth so that I could stay silent.

The hour is near.

We are not yet convinced.

Continue, Burbo.

That's how it is, Lysias wanted her...

But Nydia repulsed all this advances.

Angry, he gave her to his fianc�e.

But he still tried to make love to her,

...and when Nydia was about...

...to reveal this shameful affair to Arbax,

...Lysias decided to do away with her. That's the way it was.

Who are you?

I'm the daughter of Criton of Athens, Helen.

Helen, I've asked for you in vain...

...since yesterday.

And I must tell you this:

On your alone...

...depends my sentence.

Do you know Lysias?

I am his fianc�e.

Doesn't lion bait disgust you?

I declare that Lysias didn't commit this crime.

A blood-stained dagger was found, Lysias has recognized it as his own.

If he stabbed her, it is because his reason was destroyed.

I demand that you uncover the evil force...

...behind the killing, and that you condemn it instead of Lysias.

Look at Lysias:

Stripped of his mind, robbed of his heart,

...bereft of his soul.

Who plunged Lysias into madness?

She's stalling!

It's just to gain time!

This enemy to whom you speak, who do you suspect he is?

I have more than suspicions, I have proof.

A witness: This man!

Who are you?

Just a man of good faith.

You're not to judge that, leave that to the court. Step forward,

...and speak without fear.

The law of Rome protects you.

Lysias is innocent.

That's easy to say, prove it!

When Lysias arrived the other night, in front of the Temple,

Nydia had already been killed.

I swear it, her body was lying on the steps.

I was there, I saw it all.

Why didn't you speak up sooner?

Because I was held prisoner. - By whom?

By the assassin of Nydia,

...by Arbax!

Do you realize the enormity of this accusation?

I accept the responsibility.

Then you mean that the culprit...

...is the High Priest of Isis?

That Arbax murdered the slave?

Yes, I saw him.

What proof have you?

Before the guards put me in cell,

I'd been struggling with Arbax.

I managed to grab what he was trying to hide.

What was that?

The weapon of his crime!

Nydia was killed with this.

Excuse me, Arbax, for asking you...

...to return to testify again.

But you would surely be the first

...to want to refute such an accusation.

Of course.

Does any one here believe that I am a killer, as this man said?

I'm sure not even you, Helen!

Explain. - Yes!

Yes, this weapon belongs to me.

But it was stolen by this man,

...while he was held in the Temple.

The blood you see on it, is not that of a human being,

it's the pure blood of a lamb, which I myself sacrificed to the Goddess.

So this weapon belongs to her.

You will not refuse, judge, that she regains its possession.

Of course not.

You may take it.

But if this is true, Arbax,

...if you are not guilty of anything,

...why keep this man in the temple?

I'm guilty, yes.

Guilty of an excess of pity.

Of pity? - He was a blasphemer.

I kept him in the Temple to protect him...

...against the police, and against the rigors of the law.

In his case, justice wouldn't have been anymore rigorous,

...than for any other citizen of Rome.

It would, because this man has no respect for our laws.

He's a blasphemer and hates our gods. He is an enemy of Rome.

For he belongs to that sect of vile men,

...who want to upset the hole Roman Empire,

...because he is a Christian!

Do you admit the truth of what Arbax said?

I do not renege my faith.

You despise then the gods of Rome?

There is only one God,

...who reigns over all man!

Take him away!

Feed him to the beasts!

He must die!

Well, Arbax has refuted this Aulus.

The High Priest of Isis has managed to clear himself,

...but what do the people say?

What the people want is food for the lions!

They'll have it!

In the name of the city, and the people of Pompei,

...we find Lysias...

...guilty of murder...

...and sentence him to be thrown to the beasts.

No!

Silence!

However as a measure of clemency,

...we have decided, that the condemned...

...may keep his dagger in the arena,

...and use it to defend himself.

No! Lysias! No!

Lysias!

Ah, ah, ah...!

Lysias, have courage, brother!

Come on!

Hey!

Hey, man!

You forget the most important thing.

You'll need it in the arena!

They've taken Lysias. - I know.

Gather all who you can find.

(rumblings from Vesuvius)

Helen!

Helen!

Helen!

Helen!

Helen!

Helen!

Brother, you're in pain, wait...

As if it matters.

What to do? Are you afraid?

God will help us.

God's given you back your soul. He'll return Helen to you!

Come!

Helen!

Lysias!

Helen!

Lysias!

Helen!

Helen! Helen!

Helen!

Lysias!

Lysias!

Helen! Helen!

Helen!

Lysias!

Lysias!

It's the end of everything! By the gods where can we hide?

Where to hide?

Don't be afraid, my house is solid, I guarantee.

Master, there are slaves chained in the cellar.

Those who drank your wine.

What shall we do? They will choke to death.

What do slaves matter now, our safety is what counts.

Lysias!

Helen!

Lysias!

Helen!

Helen!

Lysias!

Helen!

And you, Aulus, come!

Look Lysias, oh look, the beach isn't far now!

The sea'll protect us. To the beach!

Dear God, have pity of them!

Lord!

My Lord, oh Lord, save those two!

Now we are safe!

Few were rescued from the burning grave,

...in which the city of Pompei was to remain...

...for 18 centuries.

It had been wiped out at the height of its glory,

...and its ruins stand as a warning to men...

...of the eternal menace of fate!