Based on a more realistic portrayal of "Arthur" than has ever been
presented onscreen. The film will focus on the history and politics of the
period during which Arthur ruled -- when the Roman empire collapsed and
skirmishes over power broke out in outlying countries -- as opposed to the
mystical elements of the tale on which past Arthur films have focused.
In 400 AD, the Roman Empire extends to Britain and the Romans become
impressed with the fight skills of the warrior Sarmatian people, which are
spared, but have to send their sons to serve Rome in the cavalry for
fifteen years. Only after these services, these knights are free to return
home. King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table have their last
mission before achieving their freedom.
Although the legend of King Arthur has not been historically established as
fact, this film will attempt to place King Arthur within his possible
historic context, smack between the fall of the Roman Empire (just a few
hundred years after Gladiator) and the long road through the Dark Ages
(roughly set in the 5th or 6th centuries). The magic and fantasy of the
legend will be absent (Merlin may still be around; just not performing the
magic seen in Excalibur).
The Roman Empire is stretched across many nations, including Britain. In
their conquest for more land, the Romans went into Sarmatia where they
fought the very brave Sarmatian cavalery. The Romans, impressed by the
Sarmatian's weaponery and fighting skills, included them into their army as
knights. After 15 years of serving and fighting for the Roman Empire the
Sarmatian Knights, lead by Arthur/Artorious Castus, are about to receive
their freedom as the Romans are leaving Britain. But the Knights must carry
out one final order before they are free. A Roman priest and his family,
especially his son Alecto, must be rescued from the invading Saxons. But
there is another danger lurking on the road to freedom - the Woads, British
rebels who hate the Romans.
This original portrayal of "Arthur", as opposed to the mystical elements of
the tale in past Arthur films, uses names and other elements from the
traditional, medieval, Catholic Arthurian cycle in a very different, yet
historically less implausible, almost realistic plot. Around 400 AD, the
Roman empire, stretched across many nations, from Arabia to Britain,
collapsed and skirmishes over power broke out in outlying countries. The
conquering Romans become impressed with the weaponry and fighting skills of
the warrior Sarmatian people, which have to send their sons to serve Rome
fifteen years in the cavalry before these knights may return home. Arthur
is Artorius Castus, whose future Knights of the Round Table, eager to
achieve their freedom, are charged by bishop Germanius with one final task
before their discharge: a Roman estate tyrant and his family, especially
adolescent son Alecto, who is selected for a great future in Rome, must be
rescued thereto from the invading Saxons, whose ruthless warrior-king
orders his conquering tribal army to pillage and burn entire villages down.
But there is another danger lurking on the road to freedom - the Woads,
Celtic Britton rebels who hate the Romans, lead by the 'magician' Merlin,
who however realizes Rome is no longer the main threat and offers Artorius
a novel alliance after sparing his life in an ambush.
